There weren’t many positives to take for Arsenal fans over the weekend as they lost 2-1 away at Everton.
Mikel Arteta’s men managed to draw level with a Nicolas Pepe penalty following Rob Holding’s own goal, but Yerry Mina won it for the hosts.
Arsenal couldn’t find an equaliser in the second half, and have now scored just four goals in their last 10 Premier League games, with only one coming from open play.
Few players impressed at Goodison Park, but fans did praise Ainsley Maitland-Niles for his performance having come into the side at right-wing back.
The 23-year-old has struggled for first-team action this season despite snubbing a move away over the summer, with Hector Bellerin serving as Arteta’s first-choice right back.
Maitland-Niles won the penalty at Everton and was strong in one-on-one defending against Richarlison, whilst he also put in a great cross late on that wasn’t turned in.
Jamie Carragher was seemingly impressed, telling Sky Sports (36th minute) that he thinks it’s now time for Maitland-Niles to start ahead of Bellerin moving forward.
Carragher thinks Maitland-Niles should be starting week in and week out, and wants to see him build a partnership with Nicolas Pepe down Arsenal’s right flank.
“I think it’s time to play him week in, week out, I really do,” said Carragher. “I think Bellerin has played a lot for this club and he has done well for them, at times. But I really do think Maitland-Niles should be the player there in that position now. Whether it’s right-back or right wing-back. Same with Pepe,” he added.
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