Arteta Explains Arsenal's Wholesale Changes Before Premier League Trophy Lift

Mikel Arteta has explained his decision to make wholesale changes for Arsenal's final Premier League match of the season, describing it as a reward for squad members who played their part in the title-winning campaign. The Gunners will lift the Premier League trophy against Crystal Palace after Manchester City's draw at Bournemouth on Tuesday confirmed their first league title since 2004.

Champions League Final Preparation

Arsenal also have a Champions League final to prepare for, facing holders Paris Saint-Germain in Budapest on Saturday in their bid to win a first European crown. Key players such as David Raya, William Saliba, and Leandro Trossard are notable absentees from the matchday squad at Selhurst Park, with several star players named on the bench.

Notable Starting XI

Among the substitutes are Gabriel Magalhaes, Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, Eberechi Eze, Declan Rice, Kai Havertz, and Viktor Gyokeres, alongside the returning Mikel Merino. Meanwhile, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Christian Norgaard, and Max Dowman make their first Premier League starts for Arsenal on the final day of the campaign. It is a landmark moment for the 16-year-old Dowman, who provided one of the moments of the season with his goal against Everton during Arsenal's title charge. The teenager also spent this week sitting his GCSEs.

—

Wide Pickt banner — collaborative shopping lists app for Telegram, phone mockup with grocery list

Arteta told Sky Sports: 'We had a big talk at the start of the season about each individual's roles and how this is going to change and how we're going to have to adapt and be humble and be ready to help and impact the team. I think we've been incredible at doing that. Max needs to be there because he created a moment during this season that something changed as well, and the people who have contributed deserve to be on that pitch. We had a little battle trying to get that team right in formation shape.'