Arteta urged to release emerging talent after selection error at Bournemouth

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has been told to make more use of exciting star Ethan Nwaneri after selecting a midfield lacking creativity against Bournemouth.

Arsenal were beaten 2-0 by the Cherries on Saturday evening, partly thanks to William Saliba’s red card in the first half. The defender was caught by a shocking backpass from Leandro Trossard and eventually brought down Evanilson when he had a clear route to goal.

Although Arsenal failed to show the rhythm or control they normally display, Bournemouth must be credited for capitalizing on the situation and taking all three points.

Ryan Christie broke the deadlock in the 70th minute, firing into the top corner from a well-worked corner, while Justin Kluivert completed the win from the penalty spot after Evanilson had netted a foul from David Raya in the penalty area.

Another mistake from Arsenal led to the penalty, as Jakub Kiwior’s back pass to Raya was far too short and this gave Evanilson the opportunity to strike.

17-year-old midfielder Nwaneri came off the bench in the 81st minute, replacing summer signing Mikel Merino, but by then it was too late for Arsenal to stage a comeback.

Arsenal insider Charles Watts has now criticized Arteta’s decision to use Declan Rice, Merino and Thomas Partey in the same midfield and suggested Nwaneri should get more game time while usual playmaker Martin Odegaard is injured.

“It was just a really bad night for Arsenal and I don’t think the team selection helped,” said Watts Caught offside.

“I was really surprised that Arteta had all three of Declan Rice, Thomas Partey and Mikel Merino in midfield. That always looked like a midfield that was difficult to create, and that’s how it turned out.

“Without Martin Odegaard or Bukayo Saka and with Gabriel Martinelli only starting on the bench, I would have liked to see Ethan Nwaneri start, just to give the team a bit more creativity and attacking intent in those central areas.”

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Gunners ‘very slow’ in defeat

Former Arsenal star Theo Walcott was also unimpressed with the Gunners’ performance.

“They struggled from minute one. It was like they were still on international service, kind of locked down,” he said.

“They were strangers, which I found very profound. They lost the ball too often. There were a lot of arms being thrown around, I felt a lot of frustration.

“It wasn’t the free football we’re used to seeing at Arsenal. There were a lot of people arguing with each other.”

Walcott added: “I never felt that Arsenal were in control at any point. They felt very slow coming out of the blocks, it was like they didn’t really have much time to work together.

“They were in second place, it didn’t feel like they were hungry for a result. They were going through the motions at times and that was when Bournemouth felt they could get something out of this game.”

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Arsenal News: Raheem Sterling Viewpoint; alternative winger goal

Meanwhile, Arsenal are unlikely to sign loanee Raheem Sterling on a permanent basis next summer due to a major problem, a report claims.

Football transfers claim that Arsenal are only willing to pay around £15 million (€18 million) for the winger, while Chelsea hope to receive £25 million (€30 million) for him. This will make negotiations ‘difficult’.

Sterling has scored one goal and one assist in six appearances for Arsenal so far.

Instead of signing Sterling, it is suggested that Arsenal are interested in Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo.

Liverpool have their sights set on Mbeumo as a possible replacement for Mo Salah, but they will face competition from Arsenal and Aston Villa.

The 25-year-old Cameroon international was previously valued at £50 million (€60 million).