ARSENAL transitioned into a new era today as Mikel Arteta made a huge change to his starting line-up ahead of the club’s Premier League clash with Bournemouth.
Granit Xhaka, who had started every Premier League game for the Gunners since January 2022, was moved on to the bench prior to kick off.
It consequently marked the first time since January 1986 that the Gunners failed to name a single player who had made a competitive appearance under Arsene Wenger in their starting line-up.
Every player included in Arteta’s 11 prior to the club’s match against Bournemouth made their competitive first team debut after Wenger left in May 2018.
And fans believe that it marks the start of a new era at the Emirates.
One person tweeted: “We have fully moved into a new era under Mikel Arteta.”
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Another added: “Truly end of an era.”
A third said: “This is kinda sad in a way.”
While another Arsenal fan commented: “Onwards and upwards.”
Xhaka was replaced by Fabio Vieira in one of three changes to the line-up before the game.
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Takehiro Tomiyasu was also introduced in place of Ben White while Jorginho made way for the return of Thomas Partey.
Arsenal got off to the worst possible start against Bournemouth.
The Cherries broke the deadlock just nine seconds into the game after initiating a quick counter attack from kick off.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
