Arsenal host Real Madrid in the Champions League on Tuesday night.
The tie against Los Blancos will essentially define the Gunners’ season, with the Premier League title out of Mikel Arteta’s team’s grasp.
European glory is the last chance at salvaging something from a frustrating campaign that has been marred by persistent injury issues.
Arteta will use the remaining league games he has left to build momentum and fitness for the Real Madrid matches, and this is undoubtedly what he appeared to do against Everton on Saturday.
Arsenal fans convinced Mikel Arteta named his team against Everton with Real Madrid in mind
Arsenal visited Everton on Saturday afternoon, in what was their final trip to Goodison Park.
Arteta named a much-changed eleven, keeping the likes of Martin Odegaard, Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka on the bench.
Jorginho, Raheem Sterling, Ben White and Leandro Trossard all came in, with the Spaniard clearly assessing his options and determining that key players needed to be protected for the Real Madrid clash.
Arsenal fans were quick to take to X to express their thoughts on the team selection.
One supporter wrote: “Glad to see us put out a weak XI. Don’t really care for the result today, protect the lads for Tuesday.”
Glad to see us out out a weak XI. Don’t really care for the result today, protect the lads for Tuesday.
— chief (@aliladiere) April 5, 2025
Another added: “Love to see Benjamin back. Otherwise… one eye on Madrid?”
Love to see Benjamin back.
Otherwise… one eye on Madrid?
— Alex (@AMonFootball) April 5, 2025
One fan wrote: “Not too bothered if we drop points. Glad he’s rested players ahead of Tuesday.”
Not too bothered if we drop points. Glad he’s rested players ahead of Tuesday. https://t.co/KFGIuyHlwf
— Paddy (@PaddyArsenal) April 5, 2025
Another supporter avidly defended Arteta’s decision to rotate, writing: “Fully agree with Mikel here. Full focus on Real Madrid. Plus getting Ben White some minutes before Tuesday is extremely important.’
Fully agree with Mikel here. Full focus on Real Madrid. Plus getting Ben White some minutes before Tuesday is extremely important. https://t.co/eDagrKdjpG
— now.arsenal (@now_arsenaI) April 5, 2025
Mikel Arteta was right to rest key Arsenal players against Everton
While the importance of securing second place in the league shouldn’t be understated, the jeopardy has somewhat gone from Arsenal’s league games.
Arteta is correct in his decision to prioritise the Real Madrid showdown, particularly when looking at the individual players in question.
Saka returned against Fulham, but shouldn’t be rushed back in to play from the start for a game with little riding on it, after such a long spell out.
Odegaard has played almost every minute for the Gunners in recent months, and for Norway over the international break, and thus, was in desperate need of a rest.
Meanwhile, Jurrien Timber limped off against Fulham, so protecting the Dutchman for La Casa Blanca was vital.
Thomas Partey is ageing and needs regular rests, while Martinelli’s pace against Real Madrid will be important, so protecting him is pivotal.
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