Late change sees Walcott drop out of Stoke clash

French winger Serge Gnabry has taken Theo Walcott's place in a late change for Arsenal against Stoke.

It is the only change imposed on Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger from an unchanged starting XI for today’s Barclays Premier League clash.

Club-record signing Mesut Ozil made his home debut as the Gunners aimed to go top of the table.

Midfielder Mikel Arteta was back in the squad for the first time this season after recovering from a thigh injury, while Denmark striker Nicklas Bendtner was also on the bench having seen a move away during the transfer window blocked.

Stoke were looking to maintain their promising start under new manager Mark Hughes, with Kenwyne Jones and Marko Arnautovic leading the visitors’ attack.

Arsenal: Szczesny, Sagna, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Gibbs, Flamini, Ramsey, Gnabry, Ozil, Wilshere, Giroud.

Subs: Vermaelen, Arteta, Viviano, Monreal, Jenkinson, Miyaichi, Bendtner.

Stoke: Begovic, Cameron, Shawcross, Huth, Pieters, Walters, Nzonzi, Adam, Wilson, Arnautovic, Jones.

Subs: Whelan, Pennant, Palacios, Crouch, Etherington, Sorensen, Ireland.

Referee: Mike Dean (Wirral)