Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has managed to turn around fortunes of the club. They had gone on an awful run where they struggled to score goals from open play and they have been winless in many games. However since there 3-1 win against Chelsea the mood around the Emirates has changed.
After beating Frank Lampard’s side 3-1 they registered two consecutive wins against Brighton and West Brom. In thier latest fixture, they welcomed Newcastle United at home in the FA Cup. The Gunners are the defending champions of the tournament as well.
Despite thier recent good form, they were unable to win the game against Newcastle in the ninety minutes. Fortunately for them, the Magpies also failed to score a goal in the ninety minutes. Since there was no replay this season in the FA Cup the match went into extra time.
In extra time the Gunners managed to beat Newcastle United 2-0 to qualify for the next round. Emile Smith Rowe and Pierre Emmre Aubameyang scored in the second half of extra time. With this win, Arsenal continued there good form but some questions were raised as well.
Willian and Emile Smile Rowe
Last season, Willian was Chelsea’s man main as Eden Hazard left the club for Real Madrid. He did very well and there was a big excitement since he signed from Chelsea on a free transfer. However, he has been a shadow of his former self since joining Arsenal.
In the Newcastle United game, he started in the No.10 role but failed to make an impact on the game. He was replaced by the youngster Smile Rowe who scored the opening goal of the game. The 20 years old was the creative player which Arsenal had missed for large parts of the game. His performance was in complete contrast to Willian who is earning the big bucks at the Emirates.
However, Mikel Arteta has been quick to urge fans not to put a lot of pressure on Smile Rowe. The Spaniard has also asked not to put pressure on other young players like Saka as well he said “In difficult moments to step in like they’ve done is not easy. I think we have a great mixture. We cannot put too much responsibility on them.“
He also defended Willian, stating that he has been improving, he said: “I think he was improving and improving. The other he day he came on really well against West Brom“. Arteta also praised Willian’s attitude and according to him, Willian will once again be the player we all saw at Chelsea. He said “He’s showing in training how much he wants it. He’s got some highlights, and it’s about keeping the confidence on him. We know the player that he is and it’s about time to show it.
12th Man Opinion
Mikel Arteta is doing the right thing by protecting his young players. We have often seen how young players often get carried away with praise and sometimes they are not able to fulfil thier potential. Thus it is the duty of senior players and managers to keep them grounded.
These young players like Smile Rowe have shown thier potential but they have to do it week in week out. It will be difficult and there will be a few bumps in the road as well. However, with time they will improve and Arsenal as a club must believe in them as well.
While players like Willian will be there for those moments when these bumps come. Though he may not be at his best, there is no denying that he is a quality player. There will be times like now, where senior players like Willian won’t play well and young players will get there chance.
There will be times when senior players will show the young ones how it is done. It is a part of the process. The most important thing for these senior players right now is to keep thier head down and work hard and don’t believe in the hype or praise so much.
