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It must be very strange for the Arsenal first team, who are struggling to score a goal let alone get a win, but every Thursday they have seen our youngsters and reserves score goals for fun in the Europa League.
Surely by now Mikel Arteta must realize that perhaps some new, hungry and enthusiastic youngsters should have a chance in the Premier League, especially against relegation zone teams like Burnley.
One person who believes the time has come to introduce new blood is Gunners legend Alan Smith, who believes that Arteta cannot continue to see the poor performances of his veteran players. Smith said in his column in the Standard: “As a manager, that should make you think. Standing on the bench at Dundalk last night, Arteta saw some young players gut busting to impress, eager to make a mark at the senior level. We are talking about young people with a lot of potential like Eddie Nketiah, Joe Willock, Folarin Balogun and Emile Smith-Rowe, a player highly valued by many in the club.
“Would it be out of the question to include some on Sunday to offer new ideas and enthusiasm? I mean, we are talking about Burnley, not Bayern Munich. That’s not to disrespect him alongside Sean Dyche, a team struggling right now but could easily put the Gunners to shame.
“Fighting for their lives, visitors will not lack passion and spirit. If Arsenal do not agree with that, the situation could get worse. So maybe it’s time for Arteta to make a statement by choosing the children. “
I think Smith is speaking common sense. If this game against Burnley were in the FA Cup or League Cup, Arteta would have no qualms about playing with his youngsters, and would still hope to win!
So why not today against relegation fighters?
Sam P