Michael Owen has had his say on the youngsters at both Arsenal and Manchester United.
The Gunners had five players under the age of 23 in their starting lineup against Standard Liege on Thursday, including homegrown midfielders Joe Willock, Reiss Nelson and Ainsley Maitland-Niles.
Willock and Nelson both contributed to goal involvements, however, it was teenage striker Gabriel Martinelli who stole the headlines.
The Brazilian netted twice in the opening 15 minutes in north London, taking his tally to four goals in two starts.
Earlier in the evening, rivals Manchester United continued their dismal away form after being held against AZ Alkmaar.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer also named five players under the age of 23 in his starting lineup, but they failed to have the same impact as the Arsenal starlets.
And former England international Owen gave a bold view when it came to discussing how Emery and Solskjaer have been using their young stars.
Talking on BT Sport, cited by the Mirror, Owen said:
I can see what Arsenal are trying to deliver, and each player is almost a copy version. You see the midfield, quite structured, and there’s a better balance to it.
There’s almost a wing and a prayer for a Manchester United youngster to come in and do well. For these at Arsenal, there is a better platform.
Is the former Liverpool and United striker right?
Read Arsenal verdict
Arsenal youngsters Willock, Martinelli and Matteo Guendouzi have really impressed in the early stages of the season, while Daniel James and Mason Greenwood have been the two shining lights in United’s poor start to the campaign.
Owen’s claims certainly have substance. It seems as if there is much more structure at the Emirates compared to Old Trafford in regards to bleeding their youngsters into first-team football, which has been evident on the pitch.
Gunners fans will be hoping to see more impressive displays from their youngsters in both the Carabao Cup and Europa League, and they wouldn’t mind if United’s struggles continued either!
