FREDDIE LJUNGBERG has named Granit Xhaka and Mesut Ozil in his first starting XI since taking over as interim boss.
But there is no place for summer signing Kieran Tierney in the Swede’s team to play Norwich, as well as £72m club record-signing Nicolas Pepe.
Granit Xhaka starts for Arsenal under interim boss Freddie LjungbergCredit: Getty
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Xhaka has not featured in the Premier League since he was stripped of captaincy after his X-rated bust-up with fans.
It came after he was substituted in the home game against Crystal Palace.
His first game back in favour was the dismal 2-1 home defeat to Eintracht Frankfurt in the week – that result ultimately saw boss Unai Emery sacked.
Former Gunners winger Ljungberg has stepped into the breach for the trip to Carrow Road while a permanent successor is sought.
The 42-year-old has handed Ozil just his fourth start of the season after spending most of it dropped from the squad.
MANY FANS NOT HAPPY
Another change that will delight Arsenal fans is seeing Alexandre Lacazette restored to the starting line-up.
He is expected to occupy the lone frontman role.
But another who’s luck is out is Sokratis – the Greek centre-half takes his place on the bench alongside Tierney and Pepe.
Emiliano Martinez, Lucas Torreira, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinez are also among the replacements.
But the general reaction to the team wasn’t too good, with some even tweeting “Freddie out”.
Another posted: “WTF is going on here”, while another wrote “Ok this is not what I expected”.
Nick Tasper joked that “Emery is still in charge behind the scenes,” while many described the XI as “a letdown”.
Pepe not getting the shout to start seemed to annoy many Gooners, while Mustafi starting wasn’t a popular one.
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Mesut Ozil also starts in Freddie Ljungberg’s first game in charge at ArsenalCredit: Getty
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
