Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has hinted that Ainsley Maitland-Niles has a chance to play at the weekend, as per his comments to Football London.
Maitland-Niles caught the eye last night, as Arsenal picked up a 4-1 win over Rapid Wien in the Europa League.
The England international was deployed in central midfield and his driving runs forward gave them some impetus.
Arteta was then asked whether Maitland-Niles could break into Arsenal’s Premier League team ahead of the North London derby at the weekend.
And Arteta said: “What he’s done today the great thing with Ainsley is that he can fill various positions and that’s a great thing to have around the squad.
“He’s played on the left as a wing back, he’s played on the right, he’s played as a holding midfielder, he can play as an attacking midfielder.
“And again, the sort of performances tonight helps, and he has a chance to play like everybody else.”
There certainly does appear to be a gap in Arsenal’s midfield, which has opened up recently.
Arteta has generally used Maitland-Niles as a full-back, but in his search of more energy and dynamism, the youngster could now be given an opportunity in a more central role.
If he does return to the side against Spurs, Maitland-Niles would at least give Arsenal some pace in the centre of the pitch, which could allow them to press Jose Mourinho’s side more effectively.
Arsenal are under pressure to pick up a result against Tottenham, as they have made a poor start to the campaign and currently sit in 14th place.
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