After Arsenal suffered two defeats in their opening two games of the Premier League season, quotes have resurfaced from former manager Arsene Wenger about the risks of playing young players.
The current Gunners side, managed by Mikel Arteta, went into their 2-0 defeat to Chelsea on Sunday with an average starting XI age of 25.
Seven players that featured over the course of the 90 minutes were aged 24 or under.
Arsenal were missing a number of key players for the game. That included the experience of Alexandre Lacazette, Willian and Thomas Partey.
In addition, £50m summer signing Ben White and Gabriel were also unavailable.
Arteta’s side struggled to cope with Chelsea’s attacking prowess throughout. Blues forward Romelu Lukaku was particularly a threat.
The Spaniard commented after the game: “You have to understand the situation we have.
“We are missing nine players, and it is difficult. It is not just nine players – they are some big, big players.
“There a lot of positives. Five players who are 19 and 20 years old playing at this level for the first time – that will have a positive impact but at the moment it is difficult.”
Whilst gaining exposure to the Premier League for young players can be vital to their development, Wenger did explain that the process can come with caveats.
Wenger historic comments on young players
The Frenchman was known for being successful in bringing through a large number of younger players, such as Theo Walcott, Aaron Ramsey and Cesc Fabregas, but did offer a word of warning about the risks of playing young players.
He said: “You pay for the education of young players with points.
“If I play young players I know they’ll cost me points during that season and I have to stand up for that.”
Arteta will be hoping for more positive news on the unavailability front this week. His side face reigning champions Manchester City on Saturday.
The club revealed that new signing Martin Odegaard is cleared to play after visa issues.
Meanwhile, Alexandre Lacazette has also returned after suffering from Covid-19.
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