Danny Murphy has told TalkSPORT (Monday, 11:50AM) that Mikel Arteta was wrong to leave Mohamed Elneny “out in the cold” judging by the Egyptian’s displays for Arsenal against Manchester United and Chelsea.
Elneny, 29, had failed to start a Premier League match since December 2 and was an unused substitute 10 games on the trot before he was thrown into the starting line-up against Chelsea last week. Arsenal won 4-2.
He reclaimed his place alongside Granit Xhaka on Saturday – the latter joining Bukayo Saka and Nuno Tavares on the score sheet as Arsenal eased to a 3-1 win over Manchester United. Cristiano Ronaldo also netted.
Elneny remains out of contract at the end of the season but after his last couple of performances, that could change. Murphy questioned why the £5million (Mirror) signing under Arsene Wenger had not been played.
“Arteta has been, at times, too reliant on some of his players. They’ve missed Partey but he has brought Elneny in out of the blue, he has done great. Why has he not played more games? Why has he been left in the cold?”
Murphy on Elneny: Arsenal star has been sensational in last two games
Arguably, two of his best performances in his 142 appearances for Arsenal – considering he has come from nowhere to play against two of the top six in Chelsea and Manchester United. Elneny has been absolutely brilliant.
When Thomas Partey returns to fitness, if he does at all this season, Elneny will surely keep his place – and so will Xhaka, who was excellent against United. Midfield is no longer a concern for Arteta or Arsenal.
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