- Arsenal fans are baffled to see Sead Kolasinac on the bench vs Newcastle
- The Gunners are instead playing Ainsley Maitland-Niles at left-back
- Arsene Wenger is under attack after a poor result at West Ham in mid-week
- READ MORE: Arsenal exodus feared as eight linked with exit next summer, major rebuild possible
Arsene Wenger has been criticised by Arsenal fans on Twitter after leaving Sead Kolasinac out of his starting line up to take on Newcastle at the Emirates Stadium today.
The Bosnia international has been one of the club’s top performers this season since his summer move from Schalke, but has surprisingly only been named on the bench this afternoon.
In his place, youngster Ainsley Maitland-Niles is starting at left-back – a position that arguably isn’t even his strongest, though he’s played a variety of roles for the Gunners.
? One change for today’s game as @LacazetteAlex comes in for @_OlivierGiroud_ #AFCvNUFC pic.twitter.com/f1oDVdPTUG
— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) December 16, 2017
Aside from that, Alexandre Lacazette returns to the starting XI, and Arsenal stick with a back four as it seems Wenger may be ending the experiment of three at the back.
Fans, however, are more focused on the bizarre decision to bench Kolasinac for what is arguably a must-win game after dropping points against West Ham.
Surprise Wenger is making kolasinac a scape goat,Haven’t put a foot wrong since joining…Wenger is clueless
— Shabi Adeola (@ShabiAdeola1) December 16, 2017
Unbelievable Wenger has actually dropped Kolasinac wtf
— Quavo (@NxthanielA1) December 16, 2017
Kolasinac dropped again????
— Mufi (@Mufz11) December 16, 2017
Kolasinac has actually been replaced by a 20 year old midfielder loooooool
— • (@Kiwie999) December 16, 2017
Why is Maitland-Niles getting into the team over Kolasinac ?
— brad (@brvdd) December 16, 2017
Two games in a row Kolasinac dropped to the bench as well as a recognised centre half in Chambers..? Ok then ?
— Jack Coleman (@JackColeman14) December 16, 2017