Gary Neville admitted he was “stunned” by Mikel Arteta’s decision to move Declan Rice out of midfield after Ben White was forced off with an injury during the first half of Arsenal’s crucial Premier League match at West Ham. The Premier League leaders were dominant at the London Stadium when England right back White collided with West Ham winger Crysencio Summerville and had to be replaced, raising concerns over his availability for the Champions League final and this summer’s World Cup.
Arteta's Tactical Shift
Arteta responded by bringing on midfielder Martin Zubimendi for White, rather than deploying versatile defenders Cristhian Mosquera or Pierro Hincapie. With Myles Lewis-Skelly continuing in midfield, Rice was shifted to right back. Rice has previously filled that role for Arsenal, including in a 2-1 win over Brighton this season when White, Jurrien Timber, Mosquera, and Hincapie were all unavailable. However, former Manchester United defender Neville questioned the logic of moving Rice out of central midfield.
“I'm stunned,” Neville said on Sky Sports. “Taking him out of the middle of the pitch is a big call.”
Impact on Arsenal's Momentum
Arsenal had started brightly, with 10 shots in the opening 22 minutes, and were close to taking the lead. But after the changes, West Ham grew into the game and finished the half as the stronger side. Former Arsenal striker Ian Wright agreed that Arsenal lost their “momentum” following White’s injury. Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp added: “Arsenal lost momentum when Rice went to right back. They lost a physical presence in the middle of the pitch with Zubimendi coming on.”
