Our final Champions League group game takes place this evening when we take on PSV.
With the group already won, and with injuries plus a busy schedule to contend with, I’ve seen a lot of chatter about rotation, and in particular the use of young players. Only three have made the squad: Ethan Nwaneri, Reuell Walters, and Lino Sousa. Mikel Arteta explained their inclusion, saying:
First of all we have certain needs in certain positions. Some others we decided because of the necessities we have and how we might use those players tomorrow, so they were the best ones to bring.
And on the wider group, he said:
Our duty as representatives of Arsenal is to win every game and tomorrow we need a big performance against a team that is going to make it very difficult like they have shown in the past two years here.
Anyone who thought this manager would just play the kids, the janitor, the tea-lady, and anyone else to make up the numbers hasn’t been paying much attention to how he operates. Not to mention that each win in the group stage is worth around £2.5m to the club, so there’s probably some pressure to take it seriously even if the group is already won. Nevertheless, there is room for rotation, and it’s possible he could put out a team like: Ramsdale, Cedric, Walters, Gabriel, Kiwior, Jorginho, Elneny, Smith Rowe (back in training), Nelson, Nketiah, Trossard.
I suspect it will include a couple of more regular players than that. Midfield doesn’t look balanced there, and we don’t have too many options at the back to make wholesale changes, but it’s possible to give some time off to quite a few of the players who have played a lot of late. What that might mean in terms of performance and result is another aspect, but I suspect once we come through this game without any drama or injury, that’s something most people will be able to compartmentalise relatively easy.
If the game allows the introduction of the young lads, then all the better. Arteta was quite open on Nwaneri, comparing him to one of his former Arsenal teammates when asked to talk about his qualities:
There’s something unique that he’s got that I really liked from the beginning, his ability to take the ball in tight areas and to escape a little bit like Jack Wilshere used to do. He’s got that bit between his teeth as well that he wants to show every single day how good he is and to impress people.
He’s still just 16, so there’s a way to go before we start to see him knock on the first team door with any kind of regularity, but involvement in games like this one and being around the squad will certainly help his development. The reality for Academy players now is that they have got a bigger challenge ahead of them like players like Smith Rowe, Bukayo Saka and Eddie Nketiah. Which isn’t say it was easy for them, but they broke through at a time when our level was not as high as it is now, so to make it into this team, the young players are going to have to work very, very hard. And, perhaps, get a bit lucky.
Speaking of Smith Rowe, it’s great to see him back in training and to hear the manager talk so positively about him after what has been a really difficult spell in his career. Arteta said:
What he has been through is part of the experience that 95 per cent of footballers have to go through. That’s difficulties, injuries, setbacks and different kind of performances too. He’s back now, and he can use that in a very powerful way, he will be a much better player. I think he’s on the right path, the way he’s done his rehab, I haven’t seen it like he’s done it this time. I think you have seen how his team-mates reacted to him being back with the team, which is a really positive thing as well. The more we can give him chances to play, the better we will be. So let’s hope that’s going to be the case.
He’s the kind of player who offers us something a little different in the opposition half. How I would have loved to have him as an option on Saturday at Villa Park. All we can do is hope he can stay fit, because I remain a huge believer in his talent, but right now we need to be convinced that his body is up to the task. Fingers crossed.
Right, let’s leave it there for now. You can join us later for live blog coverage of PSV v Arsenal, and all the post-game stuff on Arseblog News.
Catch you later.
