‘Special’ Arsenal player will be so angry with Mikel Arteta after what happened in the 89th minute vs Liverpool

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Arsenal’s wait for a win at Anfield goes on after Liverpool defeated Mikel Arteta’s side at the famous old ground on Sunday.

The Gunners were looking to secure their first victory at the Merseyside Stadium since 2012, but came up short once again courtesy of a spectacular late free-kick from Dominik Szoboszlai.

Despite battling with Arne Slot’s team throughout, the North Londoners lacked offensive thrust and were unable to trouble the home side’s backline consistently.

The result sees Liverpool move three points above Arsenal after three matches, meaning Arteta and his players already have a points deficit they have to make up.

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Mikel Arteta brought Max Dowman on instead of Ethan Nwaneri vs Liverpool

With Arsenal pushing for a late equaliser, Arteta looked to his bench to see what he could do to influence the game.

Experienced winger Leandro Trossard was sat there, as were youngsters Ethan Nwaneri and Max Dowman.

The Spaniard opted for the 15-year-old over the 18-year-old and the Belgian, bringing Dowman on for the final minute plus stoppage time.

Dowman was exceptional against Leeds in his short cameo last weekend, but was unable to exert the same influence in his short time on the pitch at Anfield.

The ferocious home crowd got to the starlet and the rest of the Arsenal players, and the North London outfit were ultimately unable to muster up a significant chance to draw level.

Ethan Nwaneri won’t be happy with Mikel Arteta’s substitutions

In a time of need, Arteta showed who he really trusts to make an impact.

Instead of calling on Nwaneri, who has spent an entire season in the Arsenal first team, he called upon a 15-year-old who had played just 26 minutes of senior football prior to the clash with Liverpool.

This isn’t a good sign for Nwaneri and how the manager views him, and the midfielder certainly won’t be happy about the late substitution decision.

Arteta should be able to trust the 18-year-old to make an impact in a game against Liverpool, particularly over a player of Dowman’s age.

Nwaneri has been described as ‘special’ and he certainly has talent, but he’ll need more minutes to hone his craft and continue his development – it’s up to Arteta to give them to him.