Some Arsenal fans react to Mikel Arteta's comments about Ainsley Maitland-Niles

 

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was asked about Ainsley Maitland-Niles at his pre-match press conference before the trip to Everton.

Maitland-Niles started at right wing back for the Gunners during their 1-1 draw with Southampton on Wednesday.

That opportunity came because Hector Bellerin was suspended due to picking up five yellow cards this season.

Arteta was asked if the Englishman had done enough to keep his place at Goodison Park.

“I think Ainsley had a good game and I think he is evolving really good,” said Arteta.

“I think he’s made – in this year – big, big progress and he’s in a much better place than what he was a year ago and he needs to keep doing what he’s doing.”

Some Arsenal fans on Twitter reacted to Arteta’s comments by urging him to keep him in the side against the Toffees.

There was clear frustration that Bellerin has played ahead of Maitland-Niles so much this season and they want to see Arteta backing up his comments by starting the 23-year-old:

Stop talking and start him over bellerin every league games as well as nelson.

— Sally  (@Rubyjennieisluv) December 18, 2020

All arteta does is talk. No actions, just talk

— afcSSR (@afc_SSR) December 18, 2020

Lol you've neglected to mention that this was in reponse to a direct question from Hayters on AMN and he was asked immediately after if Bellerin would come back into the team and declined to answer. Not positive on the AMN imo.

— Bogan Gooner #FREEAINSLEY (@BoganGooner) December 18, 2020

Meanwhile on matchday, he picks his fav  pic.twitter.com/9u27jBdu39

— AlexIs Arsenal's Hale End  Gooner  (@AlexIsAHaleEnd) December 18, 2020

He is been proving that for a year now but you have refused to give him that starting opportunity

So what exactly are you saying?

— xhakazette (@AnuoluwapoOwol3) December 18, 2020

All this for Arteta to drop him tomorrow for a guy who can't even take throw ins.

— ™️ (@AfcNas) December 18, 2020

But he's been benching him.. Arteta doesn't understand himself sometimes..

— Winter_Goonerette (@XhakaWinter) December 18, 2020

Yet Arteta will favour Bellerin instead

— Vijay Nirmal (@nationalistINDY) December 18, 2020

Then reward by either playing him in midfield over Elneny or play him over Bellerin at RB.

— Gooner Michael (@GoonerMichael) December 18, 2020

That's difficult when you hardly play. Come on Mikel!

— Vilmar (@VesNL) December 18, 2020

All this praise and Bellerin gets a start on Saturday 

— Avin Shetty (@avinshetty94) December 18, 2020

Start him then 🥲

— Joe (@JoeLovey_) December 18, 2020

Start him against Everton then.

— Stoicism Health Wealth (@dovakiinv) December 18, 2020

Play him then

— khatab_22 (@khatab02) December 18, 2020