Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta suggests two ‘great’ Hale End talents are in line to start vs Bolton
If there has been one criticism of Mikel Arteta at Arsenal since he was appointed in 2019, it’s that he hasn’t necessarily made the most of the Hale End Academy.
Talents like Charlie Patino and Omari Hutchinson were never handed sufficient chances to succeed at Arsenal, and both are now attempting to realise their potential elsewhere.
In fairness, Arteta has had an incredibly tough task on his hands over the past few years – steering Arsenal back towards their glory years.
Whilst doing so, it hasn’t always been the opportune time to suddenly throw in an 18-year-old, unless your name is Bukayo Saka or Gabriel Martinelli – two exceptional talents.
That being said, Arsenal now have two more players who might be of that echelon on the cusp of the first team: Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly.
Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly ready for Bolton ‘opportunity’
Lewis-Skelly made his first Premier League appearance on Sunday against Manchester City, a baptism of fire in some regards.
But the 17-year-old coped well, even playing at left-back which remains a relatively new position for the midfielder
That being said, when speaking at his press conference, Arteta was asked about the duo, who many will hope to see against Bolton in the EFL Cup.
Raheem Sterling seems like he’ll be in line to start, one of the experienced heads for Arsenal when a fair few changes are expected.
And Arteta perhaps hinted that both Nwaneri and Lewis-Skelly are set to start: “They see the opportunity and want to grab it with both hands. They are great to work with.”
Jack Porter might start amid Arsenal goalkeeper crisis
Arteta provided an Arsenal team news update ahead of Bolton’s trip to the Emirates Stadium, but didn’t quite reveal if David Raya would be fit to start.
Raya was seen limping out of the Etihad on Sunday after another excellent display – a worrying sight.
Arsenal fans will hope there’s now jeopardy when it comes to Leicester City’s Premier League visit on the weekend, but Arteta was coy.
But given that Neto is cup-tied and Tommy Setford is injured, Arsenal may in fact turn to Jack Porter against Bolton.
The 16-year-old has a strong reputation at the Hale End Academy, one of the best keepers to emerge at the club in recent years, but this really would be a huge test.
