'Worst player on the pitch' – Arsenal fans react to midfielder display in win v Ostersunds

Dave is a huge Leeds fan and ardent disciple of Bielsa ball. A career in print magazines that included editing PC Zone, launching PokerPlayer and redesigning The Big Issue has finally led Dave to writing about the love of his life, Leeds United. It’s been a tough 2020 but the single scariest moment was the first quarter of the game against Man City. Rodrigo will be the saviour this season.

Published on:

15 Feb 2018, 2:20 pm

Ainsley Maitland-Niles played the full 90 minutes against Ostersunds in the Europa League on Thursday night and Arsenal fans had mixed views on the young midfielder. Arsenal themselves cruised through the game, winning 3-0 and making their progression in the competition almost an inevitability. Maitland-Niles didn't get on the scoresheet but some fans praised him for his calm and composed personality on the pitch, and his athleticism. However, others thought that he gave the ball away too much in the middle and that he's simply not ready to play in the Arsenal midfield. Here is a selection of the best reactions from Arsenal fans:

Liked what I've seen of @Ains_7 tonight. Composed on the ball and not afraid to drive forward with it. 👏👏👏👏👏
— Richard (@richardbrown31) February 15, 2018

Maitland Niles is the calmest guy. I imagine that compared to being shouted at by his mum, basically nothing is stressful.
— JB™️ (@gunnerpunner) February 15, 2018

So weird to watch such an athletic player in midfield for Arsenal. Hope wenger bins Xhaka for good and picks Maitland Niles regularly bow
— Nishanth Puzhankara (@NishanthGunners) February 15, 2018

Haven’t been impressed with Maitland Niles, Playing far too casual in CM & keeps giving the ball away.
— Arsenal (@ffarsenalfc) February 15, 2018

Maitland niles looks so comfortable in Cm
— Adam (@adambrown1104) February 15, 2018

It’s shocking how sloppy we’ve been!! Maitland Niles isn’t taking his chance in midfield either, he’s been really weak on the ball and physically
— The Penguin (@Pengulator) February 15, 2018

Winning the Europa League might be the best shot that Arsenal have of qualifying for the Champions League and depending on the draw Maitland-Niles' chances might dry up. The second leg plays out at the Emirates next Thursday with an 8.05pm kick-off. In other Arsenal news,

Wenger set for transfer u-turn over club-captain after Arsenal offer tabled – report

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Arsenal

Ainsley Maitland-Niles

Ostersunds