I don’t see him getting much time now.
The best he can hope are some 20-30 mins apearances in some perfect conditions, but even that’s a stretch.
The games are getting more and more competitive, he ain’t getting many minutes.
A smart loan until the end of the season, to a club where he has a high chance to appear regularly would do wonders for him. It’s a crime to keep such a talent locked.
It’s good for Arsenal in the first hand, because if we keep this tempo, giving him garbage time here and there it kills his developement but also it’s killing his price if we were about to sell him.
We gave him a contract and an assurance that he will play more in the Odegaard’s position; he has hardly got any minutes when Odegaard was out injured and is not getting any when he is on bench. I am pretty sure he would be frustrated.
Also, the easy part of this season is gone. If we win today, we would play Chelsea in Semis and one of the Newcastle / City in finals. Champions League’ group stages are almost over and we will be playing catch up with City every week in Premier League. We can’t afford to give development minutes to him or anyone else.
Normally you’d throw him onto the pitch on the first possible chance, if we have a decent result, but knowing Arteta he’ll wait and give him 20 mins at best (added time included).
I’m actually super curious to see how he does as a starter against a very good opposition.
Could actually become a decent option if he does well. I’m not ruling that out.
Will only make Arteta look like a clown for not trusting him at all so far.
Going back to Nwaneri, again, I’m not surprised seeing him on the bench tonight knowing Eze and Madueke didn’t appear in the last game. Expected them to start, and those are Ethan’s primary positions.
Also, know Arteta isn’t going to have Eze and Nwaneri on the flanks.
Was only disappointed with him not getting more minutes so far in this season, in those situations where he could have been brought on earlier or wasn’t brought on at all.
Now it’s obvious he doesn’t have much room in this squad.
I think this team has a good balance. I’m expecting a good performance.
The biggest issue could be the midfield though. Norgaard and Merino could face issues bringing the ball out from the deep and breaking through Palace press. MLS could play a big role in that sense.
The front 4 looks very strong. Expecting good things from them IF we can keep feeding them.
