Arsenal headed into their Champions League tie at PSV Eindhoven knowing that their place in the knockout rounds as group winners was already confirmed.
This allowed Mikel Arteta the opportunity to rotate his squad, and he did that for the most part as lesser-seen players in Cedric Soares and Mohamed Elneny made their first starts of the season.
However, there were three promising youth prospects on the bench in Ethan Nwaneri, Lino Sousa and Reuell Walters who were hoping to make their Champions League debuts, but they were forced to watch from the bench as Arsenal laboured to a 1-1 draw.
Fans were unhappy that Arteta not only decided not to use the youth products he brought along, but that he also brought on Declan Rice and Ben White, given that their backups in Thomas Partey and Takehiro Tomiyasu are injured.
Fans fume at Mikel Arteta’s substitutions against PSV Eindhoven
Fans took to X during the game, and plenty expressed their dismay that Arteta was unable to steer away from his usually squad favourites.
“This is what’s annoying about Arteta! Why not give any of the youngsters a run out? Shocking decision,” one fan posted.
“If this was Pep, or Klopp our youth team players would get a game. This is shocking from Arteta couldn’t even give them any minutes,” another lamented.
“No Nwaneri, Sousa or Walters debuts tonight after Arteta brings on Jesus and ESR. Good to see Smith Rowe return but shocking decision from Arteta to risk the fitness of 4 of our most key players in a match that means nothing to our season,” one stated, highlighting the lack of opportunities to the academy stars.
“Sorry Mikel, Why? There’s no need for Odegaard, Rice and White on. The group is won. Silly tbh,” a fan claimed.
A fan also highlighted the injury risk of bringing on crucial players in what was a hostile atmosphere.
“You are drawing a game, a game that will have no impact whatsover, apart from 3 million extra earnings. Yet Arteta sends two of his best men in a hostile ground. Academy players deserve a chance too.”
“Why not the youngsters. Feel sorry for them. Such incredible talent,” a fan posted in response to the triple substitution.
“I get Arteta wants to win but is it really worth risking injuries to such big players?” Another fan questioned.
Although none of the substitutes picked up an injury, it was frustrating to see the youngsters not gain a chance to impress, whilst the likes of Rice and Odegaard also played unnecessary minutes which could later contribute to a burnout.
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