Arsenal manager, Mikel Arteta, has shed light on why young talents like Eddie Nketiah, Reiss Nelson, and Emile Smith Rowe are finding it tough to secure regular playing time. In a recent match against Sheffield United, all three players were left on the bench as Arsenal cruised to a 6-0 victory in the Premier League.
Smith Rowe, who has only made 16 appearances across all competitions this season, along with Nketiah and Nelson, have been struggling to break into the starting lineup. Arteta addressed the issue during a press conference ahead of Arsenal’s upcoming clash against Brentford.
“We can’t play every player in every game,” Arteta explained. “These players had their chances in previous matches, like against Newcastle. With the option of five substitutes now, we have more flexibility, but it’s still a challenge to keep everyone happy.”
While acknowledging the players’ desire to be on the pitch, Arteta emphasized the difficulty of accommodating everyone’s playing time. “It’s not always within our control,” he added. “We have to make tough decisions, and unfortunately, not everyone can be involved in every game.”
Despite the competition for spots in the squad, Arteta remains focused on managing the team effectively and maximizing the potential of all players. As Arsenal continues their campaign in the Premier League, the challenge of balancing the squad’s talent and opportunities remains a priority for the manager.
