‘Back to the drawing board’ – Arsene Wenger urged to bring Arsenal duo back into the fold after Manchester City defeat

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Time to shake things up at Arsenal?

Arsenal legend Martin Keown has told Arsene Wenger the two players who need to be brought back into the starting line up after defeat to Manchester City.

The Gunners were well beaten on the day as they struggled to create a great deal in a 3-1 defeat at the Etihad Stadium this weekend.

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Arsenal don’t have the best record in big games, but Keown still believes Wenger made things harder for himself by getting two key selection decisions wrong.

Discussing how Wenger should reshuffle the side after the international break, the former Arsenal defender urged him to make Jack Wilshere and Alexandre Lacazette two regular starters.

While the latter came off the bench to score against City on Sunday, Wilshere has barely been used in the Premier League this term, despite some strong showings when used in the Europa League and Carabao Cup.

Following the defeat to City, Keown has called for Wenger to finally give Wilshere his chance.

‘This defeat proved that it is time for Jack Wilshere to return to Arsenal’s first team,’ Keown wrote in the Daily Mail.

‘Arsene Wenger’s game plan was to stop Manchester City playing and for periods, it worked. But where was Arsenal’s midfield creativity?

‘They were not able to play the way they wanted in the final third and that is where Wilshere would have made a difference.’

He added: ‘I do not understand why Lacazette did not start. This was the second big game after the defeat at Liverpool that he has started on the bench. I don’t think he deserves that.

‘Any doubts about Arsenal’s record signing were erased when he came on and scored.

‘Wenger heads into another international break at a crossroads. Once more he has to go back to the drawing board to work out his best XI – and Wilshere is ever closer to making the cut.’

More Stories Alexandre Lacazette Arsene Wenger Jack Wilshere Martin Keown