Mikel Arteta Reveals Why He Didn’t Play Youngsters In PSV Game

December 13, 2023

Mikel Arteta Reveals Why He Didn’t Play Youngsters In PSV Game. Arsenal’s manager Mikel Arteta has revealed why he didn’t start any youngsters in the 1-1 draw against Dutch side PSV Eindhoven in the UEFA Champions League.

The Gunners found the back of the net through Eddie Nketiah in the first half. However Peter Bosz’ side equalised through Vertassen in the second half compelling the game to a 1-1 draw.

Having already qualified, the Spaniard was expected to give some game time to the youngsters. Apparently, Arteta had taken three youngsters and these were Ethan Nwaneri, Lino Sousa and Reuell Walters.

However, Arteta fielded the senior players and even the subs were filled with first team players. It should be recalled that this game was of no significance importance to the Gunners since they had already qualified as group leaders.

Since then, Mikel Arteta has been facing backlash from Arsenal fans for not giving these Hale End players a chance. It should be recalled that during Arsenal Wenger’s time, academy players were given game time.

In fact it was Hale End graduates Reiss Nelson and Eddie Nketiah who combined for Arsenal’s goal. But according to the 41 year old, he didn’t think the PSV gane was the right moment to introduce the youngsters.

This is because the Dutch side has lost a game at the Philips stadium in 2 years. And they indeed probed a tough opponent foe the Gunners. This game could have gone either way.

“Making 8 changes already, to throw them in there against a team that hasn’t lost at home in nearly 2 years, I didn’t think it was the right moment. I wanted to see how the game developed, but it was too much for them.”

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