Patrick Vieira questions Mikel Arteta’s ‘big gamble’ for Arsenal against Man City…

Patrick Vieira has raised concerns about Mikel Arteta’s ‘big gamble’ in the match against Manchester City for Arsenal.

He questioned Arteta’s choice to include Martin Odegaard in the starting lineup during Arsenal’s 2-1 loss to title contenders Manchester City, suggesting it was a ‘big gamble’ considering the midfielder’s recent injury comeback.

Odegaard was brought back into Arteta’s starting eleven as one of two adjustments for the away team, with Gabriel Martinelli being substituted and Kai Havertz taking the central position instead of Viktor Gyokeres.

Eberechi Eze, who played in the No.10 position against Sporting earlier in the week, shifted to the left wing to make room for Odegaard’s return at the Etihad.

Odegaard had been absent from the Gunners’ Champions League match on Wednesday night due to a muscle injury, which he sustained after recovering from a previous knee issue.

However, the Norwegian, who regained the captaincy from Declan Rice, seemed to be a mere spectator for much of today’s crucial title match, appearing not to have fully regained his match fitness following his recent injuries.

Arsenal seemed to have pulled themselves back into the top-of-the-table encounter, with Gianluigi Donnarumma inadvertently providing Arsenal an equalizer through Kai Havertz after Rayan Cherki’s brilliant play opened the scoring in a chaotic first half.

Yet, Erling Haaland restored City’s advantage in the 65th minute, and Pep Guardiola’s squad – who have a game in hand over Arsenal – maintained their lead to close the gap to three points behind the league leaders.

In his pre-match commentary in the Sky Sports studio before kick-off, Vieira expressed his worries regarding Arteta’s daring choice to reinstate Odegaard in the lineup.

The Frenchman remarked: ‘I’m not sure if it’s a gamble or not, but I think that perhaps over the last few weeks, he has shown enough in training to prove to the manager that he deserved to start and that the manager can rely on him.

‘However, for significant matches like this, I personally think it could be a considerable gamble because they will require a lot of intensity as they will be running a lot behind the ball.’

‘To excel on the ball is essential, and since he hasn’t started a game in a while, I’m concerned that it might be overwhelming for him today.’

Micah Richards, on the other hand, pointed out that Odegaard’s return to the No.10 position could restrict Eze’s ability to contribute effectively in the match – a forecast that turned out to be mostly accurate.

‘I would have opted for a strategy focused on running power against Manchester City, as they tend to provide opportunities,’ the former Manchester City and England defender elaborated.

‘However, given how Arteta has organized his team, Havertz is capable of holding the ball well, and his run timing is superb.

‘Yet, Eze is crucial for linking play and maintaining possession, so when they find themselves in those critical areas, can they capitalize on Manchester City?

‘Regarding his current form, Eze has played on the left and in central positions… I personally prefer him in a more central role, that maverick position, and during the early part of the season when Arsenal was conceding goals, it was often because he wasn’t contributing defensively, so it will be intriguing to see how that unfolds today.’