Mikel Arteta has recently highlighted the rise of one particular Arsenal player whose performances have been catching the manager’s attention, suggesting he could soon be a regular starter.
After a solid display, Arteta remarked, “Based on his performance today, it’s clear he’s not someone who should be sitting on the bench.
If he keeps playing like this, I might reward him with a starting position soon.”
Interestingly, Arteta’s praise wasn’t directed at widely regarded key players like Thomas Partey or Gabriel Martinelli, but rather at another standout performer in the squad.
The comments came after Arsenal’s hard-fought 1-0 victory over Tottenham in the North London Derby, a game filled with intensity and high stakes.
Arsenal managed to secure the win despite being without key players Martin Ødegaard and Declan Rice, both of whom have a major influence on the team’s overall performance.
Their absence was felt, particularly in the midfield, where Arsenal struggled to maintain their usual control.
Tottenham’s players, including Dejan Kulusevski, Cristian Romero, and Dominic Solanke, took advantage of the situation, applying constant pressure, but they couldn’t find the back of the net thanks to Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya, who made several crucial saves.
The game was marked by its tense nature, with seven yellow cards issued in just the first half alone, demonstrating the competitive spirit of the derby.
Despite Tottenham’s efforts, Arsenal found their best chances on counter-attacks.
Gabriel Martinelli and Kai Havertz both had opportunities to score, but neither managed to break the deadlock in the first half.
In the second half, Arsenal continued to push forward, and eventually, their efforts paid off.
Bukayo Saka delivered a pinpoint corner kick, which Gabriel Magalhães met with a powerful header, securing the only goal of the match.
This goal proved decisive in what was a very tight contest, handing Arsenal the much-needed win against their fierce rivals.
As for the player ratings, David Raya was solid throughout the match, making several key saves and remaining focused, especially on his 29th birthday.
He was awarded a rating of 7 for his efforts. On the defensive front, Ben White struggled against Tottenham’s Son Heung-min, often being outplayed, which led to a lower rating of 5.
However, William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães held strong at the back, with Gabriel in particular standing out, earning an 8 rating not only for his defensive work but also for scoring the match-winning goal.
Jurrien Timber, who could have been sent off in the first half, managed to keep his composure and performed well under pressure, earning him a rating of 7.
In midfield, Thomas Partey played decently but struggled to cope without Declan Rice’s support, resulting in a 6 rating.
Meanwhile, Jorginho found it tough to deal with Tottenham’s fast-paced play and was turned too easily by Kulusevski on multiple occasions, leading to a rating of 5.
On the attacking side, Bukayo Saka once again proved his worth by providing the assist for the only goal of the match, earning him a rating of 8.
Gabriel Martinelli, although lively, struggled with consistency in his decision-making and was awarded a 6.
Kai Havertz contributed positively in the final third, holding up the ball well and relieving pressure from the opposition, which earned him a rating of 7.
Arteta’s remarks about this unnamed player demonstrate his growing confidence in his ability to become a more integral part of the squad.
If his performances continue at this level, it is likely that he will soon secure a regular spot in the starting eleven, further solidifying his place in the team.
