Arsenal fans were disappointed in Charlie Patino not making the club’s EFL Cup squad that beat AFC Wimbledon on Wednesday night.
Going into last night’s game, there was a lot of talk about what type of line-up Mikel Arteta would select.
Given that the Gunners were facing off against a League One outfit, many were hoping that it would open the chance for their manager to blood some youngsters.
Back in the Hale-End academy, a certain thriving youngster in Patino has been wowing supporters with his performances.
And the 17-year-old was someone Arsenal fans were looking forward to seeing in action on the senior stage.
But Arteta opted for a stronger XI, and bench, which left the supporters devastated and disappointed because they were looking forward to watching his ball-carrying qualities on the big stage.
Arsenal ended up recording a 3-0 win on the night, with two academy players getting on the scoresheet in Emile Smith Rowe and Eddie Nketiah.
Then there was Folarin Balogun also getting another chance for the first-team – he came off the bench to replace Nketiah seven minutes from time.
At the end of the day, during his time at the Emirates, Arteta has given a number of youngsters the chance, as it’s proven above.
So, someone like Patino should just continue to put his name up in lights and that knock will come one day because he’s too talented for that door to not open one day.
Here is a selection of Arsenal fans reacting to Patino missing out last night:
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