“What we need…” – Mikel Arteta explains the surprise decision to the bench bench to Arsenal Star vs Nottingham Forest

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta explained why he chose Mikel Merino over Declan Rice to start midfield with Nottingham Forest today.

The Gunners won 3-0 with an impressive performance at Emirates Stadium, but some fans will certainly be surprised that Rice didn’t make Arteta’s starting XI.

In the end, it wasn’t that important. Rice later appeared as an alternative, and Arteta reduced the importance of the decision when he spoke after the match.

As quoted by Arsenal.com, Arteta suggested he was keen to give Merino the opportunity to start after performing with the Spanish national team during an international break.

But not only that, it also sounded like a normal rotation. Perhaps Rice will start the team’s next game.

Mikel Arteta on Declan Rice’s bench for Arsenal

“Mikel (Merino) comes back after scoring four goals in two games in a very high emotional state. I want to use it when the player is in that moment,” the Spanish tactician said.

“He wants to play him because it brings something different to the qualities they have. Declan (US) comes in and either makes an impact right away or plays the next game.

Rice is a star performer for Arsenal since a big move from West Ham a few years ago, so it seems unlikely he’ll drop the pecking order soon.

England International has had to take a break from time to time this season, and the AFC has already discovered that they have some injuries.

They certainly don’t want to repeat last season, but key names like Bukayo Saka, Kai Herberts and Gabriel Magalhais missed many games.