Arsenal Legend Criticizes Arteta' Late Substitution in Inter Milan Lost
Arsenal legend Martin Keown has questioned manager Mikel Arteta's decision to introduce young talent Ethan Nwaneri late in their 1-0 loss against Inter Milan at the San Siro. The game’s sole goal came just before halftime when Inter's Hakan Calhanoglu converted a penalty, awarded after Arsenal’s Mikel Merino was penalized for a handball.
During the match, Arsenal appealed for a penalty after Inter Milan goalkeeper Yann Sommer made contact with Merino’s head, but officials ruled the challenge insufficient for a penalty. Nwaneri was brought on in the 82nd minute, marking his UEFA Champions League debut. The 17 year old midfielder registered an attempt on goal in extra time, driving past his marker before sending the ball over the crossbar.
Keown, speaking post match, expressed his concerns over Arteta's tactics, suggesting Nwaneri's introduction could have been beneficial much earlier. I think it improved when Nwaneri came on, said Keown. With the quality he brings, he should've been on the pitch a bit sooner.
This latest loss adds pressure on Arteta, as Arsenal faces consecutive defeats and currently trails seven points behind Liverpool at the top of the Premier League.
Editorial
In reflecting on Arsenal’s recent Champions League defeat to Inter Milan, it’s apparent that some tactical decisions deserve scrutiny, particularly Arteta's approach to utilizing his squad’s emerging talent. With Ethan Nwaneri showing potential, one wonders if Arsenal’s tactics need a more dynamic approach to leverage the raw energy and skill that younger players can offer. Keown’s criticism underscores a sentiment many fans share more proactive choices could enhance Arsenal’s performance, especially in high stakes competitions.
Arsenal legend Martin Keown has questioned manager Mikel Arteta's decision to introduce young talent Ethan Nwaneri late in their 1-0 loss against Inter Milan at the San Siro. The game’s sole goal came just before halftime when Inter's Hakan Calhanoglu converted a penalty, awarded after Arsenal’s Mikel Merino was penalized for a handball.
During the match, Arsenal appealed for a penalty after Inter Milan goalkeeper Yann Sommer made contact with Merino’s head, but officials ruled the challenge insufficient for a penalty. Nwaneri was brought on in the 82nd minute, marking his UEFA Champions League debut. The 17 year old midfielder registered an attempt on goal in extra time, driving past his marker before sending the ball over the crossbar.
Keown, speaking post match, expressed his concerns over Arteta's tactics, suggesting Nwaneri's introduction could have been beneficial much earlier. I think it improved when Nwaneri came on, said Keown. With the quality he brings, he should've been on the pitch a bit sooner.
This latest loss adds pressure on Arteta, as Arsenal faces consecutive defeats and currently trails seven points behind Liverpool at the top of the Premier League.
Editorial
In reflecting on Arsenal’s recent Champions League defeat to Inter Milan, it’s apparent that some tactical decisions deserve scrutiny, particularly Arteta's approach to utilizing his squad’s emerging talent. With Ethan Nwaneri showing potential, one wonders if Arsenal’s tactics need a more dynamic approach to leverage the raw energy and skill that younger players can offer. Keown’s criticism underscores a sentiment many fans share more proactive choices could enhance Arsenal’s performance, especially in high stakes competitions.