by Mark Bassey

There was little or no surprise, as Arsene Wenger announced his team to play Everton on Sunday.

Following the Gunners’ abject display against Monaco in the Champions League on Wednesday, the Frenchman rang the changes for this Premier League tie.

He chose to persist with compatriot Olivier Giroud, who went on to open scoring in the first half. But another notable ommission was Per Mertesacker.

The Big German was dreadful against the Ligue 1 side and was culpable for at least the first two goals.

Gabriel Paulista started against the Toffees. Save for the first few minutes when he was taken aback by the intensity of games in England, he was quick and composed alongside Laurent Koscielny in the centre of defence.

“I think it could be a defining moment in changing Arsenal’s back four now, for sure,” former Arsenal defender Martin Keown told BT Sport.

“Mertesacker, with the experience he has in the game, should have been calling these young players back the other night, the two full-backs were just drifting up the pitch and not coming back.

“When he’s been left isolated one-on-one he struggles due to his lack of pace too. Gabriel is keen to defend so he’ll be relishing this opportunity to stamp a claim for a first-team spot.”

When Wenger take his men across town to Queens Park Rangers on Wednesday, one can expect to see the Brazillian start again.

ifreke

Ifreke Inyang is a public commentator and social media critic who has worked with a number of high profile publications across the country.