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Mikel Arteta has laid down the gauntlet to Arsenal’s younger skills, encouraging them to show they deserve a spot within the senior squad this season.
His feedback got here after teenage prospects Max Dowman and Marli Salmon stood out throughout Arsenal’s 1-0 win over AC Milan in Singapore.
The Gunners claimed victory in entrance of twenty-two,813 followers on the Nationwide Stadium, courtesy of a first-half purpose from Bukayo Saka. However it was the involvement of two 15-year-olds that sparked the largest speaking factors post-match.
Dowman and Salmon had been launched for the ultimate 25 minutes, marking their senior debuts. By full-time, seven academy merchandise had been on the pitch, highlighting the membership’s continued concentrate on youth growth.
“Very proud of all the children,” mentioned Arteta following the match. “I feel they can play at that degree at 15 years previous in my view due to the surroundings and tradition that’s throughout the group.
“When someone makes you’re feeling so comfy and so assured straightaway you possibly can go and do it. At the very least it provides you one of the best likelihood after which you need to have the qualities this child has to ship towards opposition like this.”
When requested if Dowman, who turns 16 in December, may very well be concerned often this season, Arteta remained measured in his response.
“We don’t know with all of the younger children. On the finish they’re in and across the group continuously they usually getting used to the dynamics and the calls for.
“And particularly elevating the bodily ranges as a result of the calls for they should carry out and affect on the degree is actually excessive bodily requirements. They’re getting there and that offers them a very good platform they usually should earn it.”
Gabriel and Timber Absences Defined
The sport additionally provided updates on the health of key first-team gamers. Each Gabriel Magalhaes and Jurrien Timber had been lacking from the squad, and Arteta supplied perception into their conditions.
“With Jurrien he’s nonetheless not there. He’s nonetheless not absolutely coaching but with us,” mentioned the Arsenal boss.
As for Gabriel, who has been managing a hamstring problem: “Gabi had somewhat niggle the opposite day in coaching. As a result of the truth that he has been out as long as properly we have now to handle him.
“We have now been in Spain, totally different pitch, totally different circumstances, go to the UK, totally different ones, come right here, once more numerous modifications. We have now to minimise the chance with him.”
Regardless of successful the match in regular time, Arsenal then participated in a pre-arranged penalty shootout, which they narrowly misplaced 6-5.
Subsequent up for Arteta’s facet is a conflict with Premier League rivals Newcastle, additionally going down in Singapore, as preparations for the brand new season proceed.
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