"This is going to be fun", "This is class" - Arsenal fans react as duo included in XI to face Portsmouth in FA Cup clash

Arsenal fans are excited ahead of their FA Cup clash against Portsmouth as Mikel Arteta has named Ehtan Nwaneri and Eberechi Eze in the starting XI. Many believe that the two will run riot against the Championship today.

Arteta has made 10 changes to his starting XI today, with only Gabriel Magalhaes keeping his place from the draw against Liverpool. Kepa Arrizabalaga gets the nod over David Raya in goal for the FA Cup clash.

Ben White makes his first start since returning from injury, while Christian Norgaard plays as the center-back with Myles Lewis-Skelly as the left-back. Mikel Merino is playing in the pivot today, with Eze and Nwaneri to support him in the midfield.

Noni Madueke and Gabriel Martinelli are on the wings, with Gabriel Jesus leading the attack. The Gooners are excited about the starting XI, especially the two midfield additions, and posted:

Mikel Arteta had hinted at heavy rotation ahead of the FA Cup clash and said:

"Well, let’s see who is available and if some players can be back for that game. But we have to manage [it], obviously, because what is coming again in the next few weeks. I think we have four away games in different competitions, and we have to make sure that everybody is participating, we continue to perform and win games. And we’re going to have to manage that one."

Arsenal have another key fixture coming up next, with Chelsea in the Carabao Cup semifinal first leg at Stamford Bridge later this week.

Mikel Arteta unsure if he gets credit for Arsenal's last trophy

Mikel Arteta won the FA Cup in his first few months at Arsenal, but has since not managed to lift any major silverware. He believes that the fans judge based on what they do now rather than the past and said:

"I don’t know [if I get credit]. At the end, I think we have to get judged, and we get judged for what we do today - and last week is not important. We will get judged for what we are able to do at the end of the season. One thing is the trophies for our football clubs, and many other things that you have to do in a football club, especially in the situation we are in. I don’t expect that, I’m really happy where I am with the people that I work with, and hopefully, at least they know that we will give our very best to try to win as much as possible."

Arsenal have not won any major silverware in the last five seasons.

https://www.football.london/arsenal-fc/fixtures-results/every-word-mikel-arteta-said-33200969

Edited by Sripad