Arsenal's squad depth chart confirmed after £200m spending spree and Emile Smith Rowe admission
Mikel Arteta's Arsenal team selection for the Carabao Cup third-round tie against Brentford answered a few important questions with regard to player roles in the squad.
As Aaron Ramsdale got the nod in between the sticks, it all but confirmed those suspicions that he's now second in command to David Raya in the goalkeeping battle. Unsurprisingly, as the third-choice option, Karl Hein was an unused substitute at the Gtech Community Stadium and his pathway for game time is obstructed at present.
Defensively, the Gunners' first-choice back four is Ben White, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes and Oleksandr Zinchenko. Given his versatility, Jakub Kiwior can fill in where necessary whether that be at left-back or central defence whilst there have been many indications that Thomas Partey will be used at right-back.
Now, after losing Jurrien Timber to injury and seeing Rob Holding leave in the summer transfer window, many Arsenal supporters have been wondering who is the backup right-sided central defender. Well, it seems the answer was provided on Wednesday night as Takehiro Tomiyasu lined up alongside Gabriel.
That's not to say the Japan international is limited to that role as he's operated at left-back this season and had a spell at right-back during the Brentford game. In fact, you get the feeling his versatility will be appreciated by Arteta, especially with the aforementioned Dutchman sidelined for a while.
Into the all-important engine room and the Arsenal manager can call upon £105million record signing Declan Rice, Partey, Jorginho and the fit-again Mohamed Elneny — most likely in that order — for the defensive midfield role right in front of the back four.
What Aaron Ramsdale did to respond to Brentford as Emile Smith Rowe
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