‘Humiliated’ Arsenal star could get destroyed if Mikel Arteta starts him vs Nottingham Forest, he should be benched

Mikel Arteta could jeopardise Arsenal’s chances of winning against Nottingham Forest if he makes one squad selection error.

The Gunners need a statement win after losing to West Ham United at the Emirates to all but end Arsenal’s title hopes. 

Supporters are expecting a big response from the squad at the City Ground but, Nottingham Forest will be far from easy to overcome.

Nuno Espirito Santo’s side sit only six points behind Arsenal in third and are relishing their quest to secure Champions League football in May.

Riccardo Calafiori must be benched against Nottingham Forest

The defeat to West Ham was eye-opening for Arsenal as the frailties in Arteta’s squad were on show for all to see at a pivotal moment in the title race. 

Now 11 points behind Liverpool, there’s no room for error if the Gunners are to find a way back, starting with the trip to face Forest.

Arteta was handed a boost as Ethan Nwaneri is fit to play against Forest after coming off in some discomfort against West Ham. 

There is however a dilemma that the boss will have to see to, as Myles Lewis-Skelly is suspended, giving the Spaniard a decision to make at left-back. 

Riccardo Calafiori started against West Ham but, the Italian’s performance was far from reassuring.

Calafiori was humiliated at left-back during the defeat, something that could happen again as Forest are notoriously strong in the wide areas.

After being punished by Aaron Wan-Bissaka, the summer signing could be haunted by another former Manchester United ace as Anthony Elanga lines up on the right flank for the Tricky Trees.

Arteta saw how Calafiori struggled against the Hammers, giving him no choice but to bench the Italy international at the City Ground to avoid the prospect of another embarrassment when isolated in a 1v1 situation.

Myles Lewis-Skelly suspension dilemma is easily solvable 

Naturally, Calafiori would be Arteta’s answer to Lewis-Skelly’s unavailability but, the manager starting the 22-year-old at Forest would be a case of negligence.

Fortunately, there is a solution for the Gunners as after Ben White returned from injury, the Englishman played his first minutes since November against West Ham. 

The solution is simple for Arteta, to return White to right-back and switch Jurrien Timber to his favoured left side to get Arsenal’s defence arguably back to its strongest. 

White playing at right-back could inspire Arsenal going forward, which is much-needed in the squad given the extent to which the front line is struggling at present. 

It will be interesting to see who Arteta selects in his back four against Forest, who are set to have their work cut out against one of the most frightening attacks in the league.