Viktor Gyokeres Benched Again as Mikel Arteta Hands Noni Madueke Left-Wing Chance Against Leeds

Mikel Arteta made some big calls when naming his starting XI to face Leeds United on Saturday, and the decisions underlined the attacking puzzles still dogging the champions.

The manager opted to start German Kai Havertz up front despite the forward returning early from international duty after picking up a hamstring issue, leaving Viktor Gyokeres on the bench once more.

Gyokeres had scored four goals, registering in every match for Sweden, during the last international break, but he looks to have work to do to win his manager round. The 28-year-old has yet to start a Premier League game and, in his cameos this season, has looked far from the level required as a striker who could fire Arsenal to back-to-back titles.

Madueke handed his opportunity

The forward line did not click against Leeds and, with Havertz looking like he lacked match sharpness, thoughts turned towards whether Arsenal missing out on an elite attacker in the summer would come back to haunt them.

Winger Christos Tzolis, who has shone at times this season following his summer arrival, suffered a hamstring issue with Greece, and with Eberechi Eze out of form, Arteta turned to Noni Madueke on the left wing.

Madueke was left out of the last England squad due to a lack of minutes with Arsenal, but after "being the best player in training for the last 10 days" according to Arteta, the Leeds match was presented as his chance to prove his worth.

The calls in the final third came against the backdrop of an inconsistent start to the title defence. Arsenal needed Bruno Guimaraes' second goal off the bench in three Premier League matches to seal the 2-1 comeback win, having again relied on a late rescue act.