FOOTBALL fans were raging after Arsenal named a full-strength side against Liverpool.
The Carabao Cup clash came just four days after Arsenal requested their match against Tottenham was postponed.
Yet Mikel Arteta had almost every key player available – even Thoms Partey made the bench after being knocked out of AFCON on Tuesday.
The Gunners welcomed back Martin Odegaard after he tested positive for Covid.
Emile Smith Rowe, Bukayo Saka and Takehiro Tomiyasu also overcame injuries to start – but Granit Xhaka missed out due to suspension.
Explaining his team selection Arteta said: “There are players who haven’t had any training sessions, we are pushing the players. We didn’t have anyone else.
“He (Partey) showed his commitment. He is really disappointed to get [knocked] out of the AFCON, but straight away, he said, ‘I want to be involved’.
“He landed at midday & went straight to the hotel & he wants to be there on the bench to help.”
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But that did not satisfy many fans on Twitter.
One wrote: “They have well and truly pulled the Premier League’s pants down. Jesus Christ.”
Another added: “Suddenly Arsenal have a team to play against Liverpool but four days ago they had not enough players to play away to Spurs. Shame on you!”
A third said: “Interesting team. How did that many players recover so quickly.”
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