Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has come in for criticism from fans and pundits in the wake of his side drawing 1-1 with Manchester City over the weekend.
The disapproval that has been expressed stems from the Spaniard seemingly not being attack-minded enough with his starting line-up for the game, despite Arsenal being regarded as the superior side and being the home side.
Many felt the decision to not start summer addition Eberechi Eze was a poor one as the team had lost some creativity due to skipper Martin Odegaard being out injured.
Arteta also left out eventual goalscorer Gabriel Martinelli from the start, with the Brazilian managing to make an impact despite only being subbed on after 80 minutes.
Martinelli's late goal was set-up by Eze, who came on at half-time in the Premier League clash at the Emirates Stadium.
With both of Arsenal's substitutes impressing and combining for the goal against City, some will wonder what could have been if the two had started the game.
📲 Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
Ex-Arsenal player criticises Arteta's team selection
Former Arsenal forward Theo Walcott has become the latest figure to weigh in on Arteta's team selection calls for the City game, and like many, he was not a fan of what The Gunners boss went with.
"To be honest, when I looked at the starting line-up, I was disappointed for the likes of Eze, Martinelli," Walcott explained on the latest episode of It's Called Soccer. "I just felt this game needed a different kind of player."
The ex-Gunners star was particularly keen to see Eze be given a start in the game as many believed the player would bring something unique to Arteta's side when he made the £67.5m switch from Crystal Palace.
"It just disappoints when you spend that much money on a certain player that's going to be creative."
"You have to start these players because they're the ones that will take the risk to unlock defences in a different way," Walcott stated.
Walcott believes that if Arsenal are to win the Premier League, Arteta will need to adjust his approach in big matches and display better in-game management than he did against City.
"The dynamics got to change when he needs to make the substitutions. City took off (Erling) Haaland, (Phil) Foden, there's no attacking threat, just (Jeremy) Doku."
"Why would you not bring on some more attacking threat? It took a bit of time (for Arteta) to react."
Arteta will be hoping his side can return to winning ways when they travel to face League One side Port Vale in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night (September 24).
Arsenal news and related links
Fresh injury update reveals how long Arsenal's Noni Madueke will be sidelined for
Manchester City star echoes Pep Guardiola's criticism over scheduling of Arsenal fixture
Mikel Arteta becomes first ever manager to achieve unique feat over Pep Guardiola