Arsenal fans all think Mikel Arteta ‘doesn’t trust’ one player after Atalanta draw, that must change
Arsenal began their Champions League campaign with a 0-0 draw against Atalanta.
The Gunners, in many people’s eyes, were the favourites to get a win in Bergamo, but Gian Piero Gasperini’s side are one of the most difficult teams to face in Italy.
Atalanta played really well on Thursday night and had the better chances to score. Arsenal held on and the draw was probably a fair result in the end.
The most noticeable thing about Arsenal in Bergamo was that they missed Martin Odegaard, who is out due to a significant ankle injury.
The Gunners showed almost zero creativity all game, which wouldn’t have happened if their captain was available and on the pitch.
Despite that, Mikel Arteta didn’t do much to change things, and that has got Arsenal fans talking.
Arsenal fans think Mikel Arteta does not trust Ethan Nwaneri
Arsenal took a big gamble in the summer by selling Emile Smith Rowe to Fulham and loaning out Fabio Vieira to Porto. That meant that Ethan Nwaneri was the only natural backup for Odegaard.
The Gunners’ worst fears came true when their captain suffered an injury, and everyone expected Nwaneri get an opportunity. However, the fact that he was an unused substitute against Atalanta has led to Arsenal fans thinking that Arteta doesn’t trust him.
One Arsenal fan tweeted: “Told you. Arteta does not trust the youth. Nwaneri is a player who can make a difference.”
Another said: “Wilshere at 16 won MOTM against the best Barca side in history but Arteta can’t trust Nwaneri for 30 minutes?”
“Arteta has one problem, he doesn’t trust youngsters, he doesn’t have Odegaard but he has Nwaneri who can replicate some of what Martin does but he doesn’t trust him. Respect him but he’s got to take risks sometimes,” said another.
Another fan tweeted: “When is Arteta ever going to trust Nwaneri to enhance our midfield creativity? I am so sick and tired of this defensive football week in, week out.”
“Arteta needs to trust Nwaneri for the Odeegard role in Arsenal’s team… no one is close to Odeegard’s creativity except this young lad. Trust him,” said another Gooner.
Should Nwaneri start against Manchester City?
Arsenal have another away trip coming up – they face Manchester City on Sunday.
The Gunners have a decent recent record against the Premier League Champions. They are unbeaten in their last three games and are more than capable of getting a result at the Etihad.
The big question after the disappointing performance against Atalanta is whether Nwaneri should start against Pep Guardiola’s side.
The simple answer is yes because he is the closest in terms of creativity from the number 10 position to Odegaard, who could be out till November.
However, we expect Arteta to be defensive at the Etihad, just like he was in the 2023/24 season. Nwaneri isn’t suited to that system, so it is likely that he will start on the bench again.
