In our Loan Watch feature series, the Football Transfer Tavern takes a look at how a selection of players from a particular club are faring whilst they are away from their parent side, and provide a brief update regarding their form.
This trio of Arsenal players all enjoyed different feelings as they played for their respective loan clubs. However, the past week is sure to build their experiences and make them stronger for the remainder of the season.
William Saliba
William Saliba played the full 90 minutes as his club Saint Etienne beat rivals Olympique Lyonnais in the Rhone derby in Ligue 1.
The 90 minutes against Lyon was Saliba’s first of the Ligue 1 season, and his second consecutive start in all competitions (via Transfermarkt).
Robert Beric scored the only goal of the game in the 90th minute, taking the side out of the relegation zone and up to 13th in the French league.
Eddie Nketiah
Eddie Nketiah endured another frustrating afternoon in a Leeds United shirt as Marcelo Bielsa’s side went down 2-1 away to Millwall.
Jed Wallace opened the scoring in the 16th minute after Gaetano Berardi gave away a penalty for a foul, also being sent off. The Lions went two-up thanks to a goal from Tom Bradshaw before Ezgjan Alioski pulled one back for the Whites.
Nketiah climbed off the bench in the 62nd minute of the game, however, couldn’t score a late goal to rescue a point for Bielsa’s side.
The England youth international is yet to start a Championship game for the Yorkshire side, having come off the bench in all seven league appearances (via Transfermarkt).
Ben Sheaf
Ben Sheaf continued his own brilliant start to the season with Doncaster Rovers as he started in their 2-1 loss to Portsmouth. The start against the south coast side was his 11th out of the 12 League One games this campaign.
Doncaster lost thanks to goals from Gareth Evans and Ellis Harrison, with the latter coming in the dying embers of the game (via BBC).
All three Arsenal players are having different situations with the club at present. Saliba and Saint-Etienne have now gone two games unbeaten and are looking to steer clear of relegation. The experience should be good for the defender upon his return to north London next summer due to the pressures of facing a relegation battle.
Meanwhile, Nketiah and Leeds were top of the table, however, two losses in their last three games have seen them drop to fifth. After a promising start to life at Elland Road, Nketiah has stalled, and his lack of starts is a worry, and may need to be assessed by the club.
On a personal note, Sheaf is enjoying a great season for League One outfit Doncaster. He has started 11 of their 12 league games and the experience will only enhance him upon his return in the summer.
Arsenal fans, what do you make of the three players on loan? Let us know your thoughts below!
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