Arsenal fans spot major tactical tweak from Arteta with new positions for Rice AND Timber in Monaco friendly
ARSENAL fans have spotted a major tactical tweak in their friendly against Monaco.
The Gunners welcomed the French side to the Emirates Stadium for their final match before the new season gets underway.
Summer signings Declan Rice and Jurrien Timber both started for Mikel Arteta’s side at the Emirates Stadium.
Fans even noticed that the Arsenal boss had given both players new positions for the match.
Rice appeared to be occupying the midfield role previously attributed to Granit Xhaka.
The Swiss midfielder left the club after seven years earlier this summer.
Reacting to their £105million man’s midfield display, one fan tweeted: “Rice in that Xhaka role, I’m moved.”
Another added: “Rice getting into the Xhaka positions.”
A third supporter also wrote: “Nah look at Rice in Xhaka’s (former) position, he is cooking man.”
Meanwhile, one more commented: “Nah Rice HAS to play in Xhaka’s position.”
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As for Timber, the defender started the match at left-back, but did continue to switch with Takehiro Tomiyasu on the right during the first half.
The Dutch centre-back has previously featured at right-back but has no senior experience on the left of defence.
His display in the new role was also seen as positive by fans, with one hailing his display as “wonderful” on social media.
The tactical tweaks came after Arsenal supporters were concerned prior to kick-off.
Brazilian striker Gabriel Jesus was forced out of the match due to a knee injury.
He is set to be assessed by the club’s medical staff and could miss their Premier League opener against Nottingham Forest on August 12.