Date: 3rd November 2022 at 4:00pm
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Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has offered a sincere explanation on the playing minutes given to Reiss Nelson and Kieran Tierney.

THE LOWDOWN: FINAL HURDLE

Arsenal are going into the final round of matches in the Europa League with the prospect of booking a spot in the round of 16. They face FC Zurich at the Emirates Stadium and with a win, the Gunners will finish as group winners.

The likes of Reiss Nelson, who made a mark against Nottingham Forest at the weekend, and defender Kieran Tierney are expected to play a part in this fixture.

Both players have been in and out of the squad this season, with neither of them able to nail down a starting berth due to the form of those ahead of them in the pecking order.

Meanwhile, Arteta was quizzed in his latest press conference about the playing minutes afforded to the two players thus far as well as their chances moving forward.

THE LATEST: MANAGER’S THOUGHTS

Mikel Arteta held his usual pre-match press conference at London Colney on Wednesday afternoon.

He discussed a number of topics especially players remaining patient for their chance to come in the current squad.

On Reiss Nelson and Kieran Tierney’s patience, he said:

“I think it says a lot about them, about their understanding of each one’s role in the team. That changes every single week. You are talking about two players, in the past they played matches and somebody was on the bench.

“It doesn’t mean they don’t push, absolutely the contrary, they were really pushing and doing their best to play. But in the end we have to make decisions and they have been really respectful, as we expect all the players to be respectful when they are on the pitch as well.”

THE VERDICT: MORE PATIENCE NEEDED

Nelson and Tierney have to exercise more patience. Playing minutes will come certainly but in those little periods, they must be able to deliver as expected.

It is going to be a long season with fixture congestion, so chances of them playing consistently are still possible but both players will just have to be patient for now.

 

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