Arsenal Manager Arteta Quizzed On Rewarding Balogun With Premier League Debut

Published: December 14, 2020

Arsenal took to the Emirates Stadium turf on Sunday night looking to secure their first English Premier League home win in over two months but their misery continued after a late Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang own goal saw them lose 1-0 to Burnley, their fourth straight loss at home.

Manager Mikel Arteta made ten changes to the side that registered a routine 4-2 win over Dundalk in the Europa League, with Mohamed Elneny the only survivor.

Anglo-Nigerian striker Folarin Balogun was spotted training with the first team ahead of the visit of the Clarets but was not named in the matchday squad despite enjoying a great form in the Europa League, scoring two goals and providing an assist in four appearances off the bench.

The Spanish football tactician was quizzed why exciting youngsters Emile Smith Rowe and Balogun who have impressed in the Europa League have not been rewarded for their performance in the competition, with both yet to make their debuts in the Premier League this season.

Arteta told Arsenal's official website : "I don't know, I will tell you the same thing: [I pick] the players who, in my opinion, give us the best chance to perform, and players on the bench who can do that [too].

"Some of the ones that you've mentioned, they've been with us a very short time because of injury or different situations.

"It's not players who have established themselves in the first team but I understand that when you lose you have to try and pick somebody else."

Arsenal are currently sitting in 15th place with 13 points after 12 matches before Wednesday's visit of Southampton to the Emirates Stadium.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit : arsenal.com

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