How five of Arsenal’s bright young talents got on against Red Star Belgrade
Matt Macey, Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Reiss Nelson, Joe Willock and Eddie Nketiah were all given a chance in the Europa League in absence of Alexis Sanchez and Co. Here, SunSport assess their displays
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ARSENAL got a chance to blood some youth against Red Star Belgrade tonight.
But just how well did the starlets do in the absence of Alexis Sanchez, Mesut Ozil and Co? Here, SunSport runs the rule over the kids on the block.
Matt Macey
Trusted by Arsene Wenger again after looking promising against Norwich, what he had to do he did very well.
An early scuffed kick nearly cost Arsenal a goal and suggested the worse, but Macey grew in confidence as the game went on.
A brilliant first half save from Vujadin Savic avoided complete embarrassment for the Gunners and secured a second round spot.
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Ainsley Maitland-Niles
Offered some promise going forward but didn’t quite do enough to suggest he will be a permanent option.
It is a long way from Hednesford Town to the Emirates and a good delivery suggests he has something to offer at a high level in the English game.
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But most of Red Star’s attacks came down his left-hand side as he lost the physical battle with Srnic.
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Reiss Nelson
The pick of the bunch. Comfortable on the ball and, as in the away match, showed a maturity beyond his years.
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Played some very good one-twos with Jack Wilshere and was a consistent attacking threat without being exposed at the back.
If Barcelona succeed in snapping up Hector Bellerin then Nelson deserves an extended run in the team.
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Joe Willock
At times Willock looked an encouraging prospect, but he didn’t do enough to suggest he can earn a permanent spot in the Arsenal midfield.
Despite a few encouraging breaks, he was pretty lightweight and made a number of poor decisions on the ball at crucial times.
Not helped by playing next to Francis Coquelin, who suffered one of his worst ever nights in an Arsenal shirt - and ended the night arguing with fans!
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Eddie Nketiah
Nketiah didn’t exactly have the same impact as against Norwich but maybe he lost the element of surprise.
The youngster did, though, prove his new fans' favourite status is well deserved.
The boy is a fighter, he stood up to the physical challenge Red Star threw at him and never looked to buy a foul.
If the supporters have their way, he will get many more chances to shine.
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