Arsenal fans call out Mikel Arteta for ‘disgraceful’ decision vs Club Brugge

The following night saw the rest of the clubs in the group stage begin their fixtures, including Arsenal, who travelled to the Jan Breydel Stadium to meet Club Brugge.

With the Gunners currently leading their Champions League group, many viewed the match as a perfect chance to rotate the squad during a hectic festive schedule.

As a result, when the Arsenal starting XI appeared online, fans swiftly criticised Arteta for his ‘disgraceful’ call.

Even though major players like Bukayo Saka and new summer arrival Eberechi Eze were given a break, Arteta still selected a fairly strong side for the European tie.

Consequently, several squad players were denied an opportunity to gain valuable minutes ahead of possibly being required later in the month.

However, it was Arteta’s choice to keep young English talent Ethan Nwaneri on the bench that truly irritated supporters, who made their frustrations clear across social media.

Responding to the decision, one fan posted on X: “Nothing’s changed. People keep saying ‘Mikel knows best’ while Ethan Nwaneri can’t even get a START in a meaningless game vs Club Brugge.

“It’s embarrassing. After the season he had, giving him zero minutes is a disgrace. The injuries, the stubbornness, the awful squad management — this is all on Arteta. He’s dragging this club down.”

Another commented: “Feel really bad for Ethan Nwaneri.. he deserved a start in this dead rubber game. Why is Odegaard even starting, rest him for Wolves ffs.”

A third supporter remarked: “There is basically no level of opposition that Arteta will play Nwaneri against after such great debut campaign. Strange, strange guy.”

Despite the criticism, Arteta’s decision to field a strong side was quickly rewarded when Noni Madueke, chosen to start on the right instead of Nwaneri, opened the scoring with a superb strike.

Madueke then added a second early in the second half, giving the visitors a two-goal advantage.