Pundit makes ‘unbelievable’ Arteta claim after major Arsenal development
Mikel Arteta deserves “massive credit” for clearing the “dead wood” at Arsenal and putting his faith in youth, according to Alan Hutton.
The former Scotland defender, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted the 39-year-old boss has done “unbelievably well” to meet the expectations of the Gunners’ fanbase.
Charlie Patino, 18, became the latest player to make his Arsenal debut during Arteta’s reign – coming on in the 80th minute to score as the north London side beat Sunderland 5-1 in the League Cup last night (21 December).
The Gunners have fielded the side with the lowest average age in the Premier League this season (Transfermarkt).
Hutton claimed Hale End graduates like Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe are “repaying the faith” shown by Arteta.
“I think it just shows how much Arteta believes in these youngsters, he deserves massive credit,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.
“He’s had to come in and evaluate the full squad, and he obviously really likes the youth set-up and the products coming through.
“When he came in there was a lot of dead wood at the club, so he’s done unbelievably well to ship a lot of that out and then really put his faith in these young boys.
“You know what it’s like at Arsenal, if you’re not getting the results then it can turn toxic really quickly.
“He’s making sure the results are progressing and the youngsters he has brought in are really repaying the faith with their performances.“
Patino is the youngest player to score on his Arsenal debut since Jon Sammels in 1963.
The Gunners sit fourth in the Premier League after 18 games.
In other news, a pundit fears Arsenal defender exit ‘could come off’ after a transfer update from ESPN.