You can drop or drag players, or persist with players who aren't doing so well, and still do it with a positive mindset, thinking about the potential of the neglected alternates, or the need to give a struggling player a proper chance.
It's been the negative outlook underpinning the stasis in our XI costing us in subtle ways. Little demobilising, demotivating signals: the bench isn't trusted, you'll never break into the side with the ten minute appearances you'll be afforded, you won't be rested no matter how tired you feel, your place is safe even if you have a shocker.
Arteta needs to open up and show a bit more courage, and to make the logic of selection by merit clearer.
