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No space; Arsenal coach justifies benching Nwaneri and teens

Posted : 13 December 2023

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta defended his decision to keep Ethan Nwaneri and two other teenagers, Lino Sousa and Reuell Walters, on the bench during the UEFA Champions League match against PSV Eindhoven. The game, labeled as a dead rubber, had both teams already qualified for the round of 16.


Arteta made eight changes to the lineup, but Nwaneri, Sousa, and Walters remained substitutes. Despite a late draw with Yorbe Vertessen's goal canceling out Eddie Nketiah's effort, the trio didn't get a chance to make their Champions League debut.


Arteta explained that the context wasn't right to introduce the young players, especially against a team that hadn't lost at home in nearly two years. He wanted to wait and see how the game unfolded but faced tactical challenges and had to make other substitutions.


Unfortunately, Nwaneri missed the opportunity to become the youngest Arsenal player in European competition and break Ansu Fati's record as the youngest goalscorer in the Champions League. Arteta expressed regret for not being able to provide them with an opportunity due to unforeseen circumstances.

 

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