Arteta challenges Arsenal kids to push for first-team place

Mikel Arteta has challenged the Arsenal kids to place themselves in competition for a first-team spot subsequent season after impressing towards AC Milan.

Arsenal began their pre-season tour of Asia with a 1-0 victory over AC Milan in Singapore on Wednesday, with Bukayo Saka netting the winner within the 53rd minute.

The Gunners had been the dominant aspect, having 23 pictures, with 9 of these on the right track, although they solely generated 1.8 anticipated objectives (xG) total.

Whereas new signings Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard and Kepa Arrizabalaga made their first appearances for the membership, among the many standouts had been 15-year-olds Max Dowman and Marli Salmon.

In complete, Arsenal completed the sport with seven academy graduates on the pitch, together with 18-year-old Jack Nichols, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Ethan Nwaneri, Saka and Reiss Nelson.

However Arteta hailed Dowman and Salmon’s impression and hinted they might have an opportunity of first-team minutes, in the event that they proceed to show themselves.

“Very pleased with all the children,” Arteta mentioned. “I believe they’re able to play at that degree at 15 years outdated, in my view, due to the surroundings and tradition that’s throughout the workforce.

“When any person makes you’re feeling so comfy and so assured straightaway, you possibly can go and do it. Not less than it provides you the perfect probability, after which it’s a must to have the qualities this child has to ship towards opposition like this.

“We don’t know with all of the younger youngsters [if they could get regular minutes]. On the finish, they’re in and across the workforce consistently, and so they [are] 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 impression on the degree is basically excessive bodily requirements. They’re getting there and that offers them a great platform, and so they should earn it.”

One draw back for Arsenal was the information that defender Gabriel suffered a minor setback in his restoration from a hamstring damage.

He was not within the squad, together with Jurrien Timber, however Arteta confirmed that it was precautionary as they give the impression of being to ensure he’s prepared for the beginning of the Premier League season.

“Gabi had a bit niggle the opposite day in coaching,” Arteta added.

“As a result of the truth that he has been out as long as effectively we’ve got to handle him. We now have been in Spain, completely different pitch, completely different situations, go to the UK, completely different ones, come right here. Once more, plenty of adjustments.

“We now have to minimise the danger with him.”