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2. Arsenal’s younger crop deserves a shot at the first team
Unai Emery handed starts to Reiss Nelson and Emile Smith-Rowe against Atletico Madrid. Nelson started on the right wing while Smith-Rowe was handed an attacking midfield berth. Both the starlets did their burgeoning reputation no harm and ended the game as Arsenal’s best players. While Nelson’s direct running had the Atletico defence tied in knots, Smith-Rowe ran the show from his ‘number 10’ position. Smith-Rowe capped off his incredible performance with a sumptuous strike into the top corner.
Against PSG, with the score tied at 1-1, Emery threw on Nketiah, Smith-Rowe, Nelson and Maitland-Niles. They had an immediate impact with Smith-Rowe providing the assist for Lacazette to put the Gunners ahead. Nketiah then got himself a couple of goals and added the gloss to the score-line.
In both the games, Arsenal’s younger generation stood strong in the face of adversity. They looked a part and took their chances well. With Arsenal fighting on four fronts this season, this younger crop needs to be given exposure in the Europa League and the League Cup.
This bunch has the talent to succeed and if their performances are any indicator, they also have the mettle to do so. If they are provided with the right opportunities, Arsenal could boast of their own ‘Class of 92’.
