Mikel Arteta’s decision to start Alexandre Lacazette for Arsenal’s trip to Burnley “suprised” former England left-back Andy Hinchcliffe. Lacazette was named as the central striker despite the return from suspension of top scorer Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang at Turf Moor. Lacazette has started all seven of Arteta’s Premier League games in charge of Arsenal but is yet to score since the Spaniard was appointed head coach.
Aubameyang was named in the starting XI, with both he and Gabriel Martinelli expected to occupy wide attacking roles.
That meant Nicolas Pepe dropped to the bench in a league game for the first time this year.
But Hinchcliffe was surprised Pepe was left out in place of an out-of-form Lacazette.
“Martinelli had to stay in the side, his form has been incredible,” Hinchcliffe said on Sky Sports.
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“At home, at the Emirates, he’s really effective, away from home it’s a bit of a problem for him.
“So I’m a little bit surprised he’s not maybe playing Aubameyang through the middle and Pepe on the right.”
Mesut Ozil was handed a start against Burnley despite the midfielder providing just one assist and scoring no goals all season.
Hinchcliffe says Ozil has been “on the slide” for a number of seasons and Arteta needs him to up his game.
Martinelli, 18, was given his sixth league start of the season after scoring three goals in his previous five.
And Arteta says there was no way he could leave the Brazilian teenager out.
“He deserves to play, it’s as simple as that,” Arteta said.
“His work ethic, his performances, the goals he has scored is why he is getting into the team at the moment. He needs to be there.”