'What is this?' – Arsenal fans left shocked by unusual Mikel Arteta XI with four regular starters benched

Yesterday at 09:15 AM

Mikel Arteta left Arsenal fans confused with a much-changed starting XI to face Nottingham Forest.

Jorginho and Gabriel Jesus were among five changes to the starting line-up from the Gunners’ last match against Chelsea a fortnight ago.

Arteta is without Ben White for the match after the defender underwent surgery on a knee injury.

Meanwhile, Declan Rice, Thomas Partey, Gabriel Martinelli and Kai Havertz have all dropped to the bench.

Alongside Jorginho and Jesus, Riccardo Calafiori, Mikel Merino and Leandro Trossard also come into the side at the Emirates Stadium.

Reacting to the team news on social media, one fan wrote: “What is this?”

Another added: “Nice joke, now post the real line-up.”

A third supporter also commented: “I hope Arteta knows what he’s doing.”

Meanwhile, one more said: “I’m sorry, what?”

Jorginho makes just his fourth league appearance of the season and his first from the start for over a month.

As for Jesus, he only has a single start across his nine league matches so far this term.

Arteta’s side are in action once again in midweek, though, with a trip to face Sporting in the Champions League on Tuesday night.

A win against Forest first would close the gap to Liverpool and Manchester City in the title race.

Forest, meanwhile, go into the match level on points with their opponents.

Nuno Espirito Santo’s side are just one place back in fifth after a strong start to the season.

Forest have only lost twice in the league this term, but were beaten last time out by Newcastle.