Arsenal fans here in the Tavern are in high spirits after a spirited display at the weekend sees fans hopeful of a repeat in Europe.
After news of Thursday night football coming to the Emirates, fans and punters here in the Tavern have been in a new realm after so many years of a constant 4th place finish.
During the duration of their Europa League campaign so far, Arsene Wenger has opted to field a slightly younger side, with many opportunities being handed to both fringe and youth players.
Without knowing whether this is down to his focus being on the Premier League or just not taking an interest to the European competition. Nevertheless, the Gunners have delivered a run of solid performances on their way to an unbeaten start to proceedings, showing for some promising viewing for the future stars.
Surely a Europa League triumph must be the main aim, with chances of a Champions League spot looking slim?
This young side seem to be mixing well with some of the first team regulars, proving to be an exciting watch for many Arsenal fans. However, after their 0-0 draw last time out at home to Red Star Belgrade, improvements are needed in what could have easily become a loss.
So with qualification in sight, here’s a look at TWO players who could be set to drop out of the side…
Mathieu Debuchy
The French right-back has struggled to gain any sense of game time over the past couple of seasons for a developing Arsenal side.
A mixture of injuries and a lack of first-team football have sparked almost an inevitable end to his career at the Emirates, due to the ever-impressive Hector Bellerin continuing to retain his place in the lineup.
Having made 3 starts in all competitions, the majority of his play has come at the hands of Europa League football, of which the former Newcastle has struggled to even perform in their European ranks.
Last time out against Red Star Belgrade, Debuchy managed to command a starting berth in a right wing-back role for the Gunners, with Wenger looking for him to add both an attacking and defensive danger.
However, this isn’t exactly how it turned out, due to the right back being described as rusty and lacklustre, due to his lack of first-team exposure causing himself some problems when being given the opportunity.
A liability in his current state.
Chris Willock
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CKuGZ_XoP5o
The U’19 England international has been utilized in a transformed wing back position in recent games, similarly to the position that drove Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain away from the Emirates.
Arsene Wenger clearly sees great potential in the youngster, having given him 4 starts and 3 bench appearances for the side in all competitions, which can be seen as a fair amount of game time for an improving 18-year-old.
In their last outing against Serbian side Red Star Belgrade, he has developed into what’s turning out to be a newly found effective position of left wing back. However, this didn’t exactly turn out to be the most profitable game for the youngster, producing a sloppy performance on a day where he couldn’t do much right.
Indeed, at such a young age these performances can be expected, so Wenger has to deal with the player’s confidence appropriately in accordance with putting qualification first and the youngsters’ opportunity second.
Nevertheless, a very promising young player with a bright future at the club.
So Gunners fans, thoughts?
