Mikel Arteta put his Arsenal players through their paces on Friday, one final time before the visit of Brighton & Hove Albion this afternoon.
Arsenal host the Seagulls at the Emirates Stadium fresh from a 3-0 mauling by Crystal Palace on Monday night.
The Spanish manager has a number of injury problems for the clash, with Kieran Tierney, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Thomas Partey all sidelined.
Victory is imperative for a Gunners side that are fifth in the Premier League standings and behind fourth-placed Tottenham – who play later this evening – on goal difference.
One interesting photograph from the session at London Colney was the inclusion of Omari Hutchinson.
The 18-year-old has been an unused substitute on five occasions in the Premier League this season and maybe – just maybe – Arteta will use him against Albion if he’s in need of some inspiration off the bench.
Here’s some photographs of the 18-year-old.
Let’s face it, Hutchinson might be needed off the bench.
Arsenal are 16th in the ‘big chances created’ table this season, level with Burnley on 32.
In other words, an attacking midfielder might be necessary for some creativity if Arteta’s side are struggling for a goal in the final 20 minutes or os.
More exciting than Saka?
And remember, Hutchinson is an extremely exciting prospect, with Four Four Two commenting that people inside Arsenal believe him to be ‘more exciting than Bukayo Saka’.
It’s only a matter of time before Arteta uses him and it’ll be interesting to see if the Arsenal manager needs him today.
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