Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta risks losing dressing room after illogical Everton decision

Arteta invites Wenger to return to Arsenal in some capacity

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There were just 20 minutes left to play when Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta turned around to his bench looking for inspiration and a killer second goal. To say his side were lucky to still be ahead on Merseyside would be an understatement after Richarlison saw two goals ruled out for offside but the Brazilian would not be denied in a game where the Goodison Park faithful desperately needed the Everton players to stand up and be counted amid the recent rut.

To the surprise of many, it was 22-year-old Eddie Nketiah that tickled Arteta’s fancy, much to the dismay of captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and fellow attacker Nicolas Pepe.

Immediately, eyebrows were raised on social media but the decision became even more difficult to digest and understand come the full-time whistle.

Everton soon drew level courtesy of the determined Richarlison, who lofted a header over Aaron Ramsdale and finally – this one would indeed count.

But despite being under the cosh as the Everton crowd roared the hosts on, Arsenal had a golden opportunity to win the game and it fell to Arteta’s substitute Nketiah.

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Bukayo Saka lofted the ball across the face of goal from the right flank and there was the young striker, who timed his run to perfection, only to head the ball off the post with the goal gaping.

It was simply harder to miss but his inability to score, once again cranked up the atmosphere inside Goodison Park and what would later follow seemed inevitable.

Bizarrely, Arsenal captain Aubameyang was then summoned from the bench just minutes later to replace Alexandre Lacazette.

While the Gabon international’s form has been concerning to say the least, this was a bitter pill to swallow.

Nketiah is on his way out of the club in a matter of months after rejecting Arsenal’s latest contract offer, while however bad of late, Aubameyang is deemed part of the team’s core.

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Whether he stays in north London for the long-term is another question altogether but ultimately, for the here and now, Aubameyang is more valuable to Arsenal than Nketiah, who could even depart as soon as January.

The youngster has rarely had a look in – hence his decision to snub a new deal – so why was this the time to introduce him to the fray ahead of Aubameyang?

It’s a call that is likely to raise concerns about Arteta in the Arsenal dressing room, particularly after Demarai Gary struck a brilliant stoppage-time winner for the Toffees.

Aubameyang was clearly frustrated by the call and much like recent weeks, his concentration levels were not of the required standard as he squandered a glorious 97th-minute chance to equalise.

He sliced wide of the mark and the look on his face told the story. He did not really care.

As for Pepe, his days at the Emirates now seem numbered even though he finally looked to have turned the corner earlier this season.

Arteta cannot be convinced by his performances on the training field if he is not even willing to offer him 10 minutes from the bench.

It’s now three away defeats in three for Arsenal and despite an impressive march up the table, the same old cracks are starting to re-appear for the Gunners.

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