Arsenal boss must hand Joe Willock a Premier League chance – TBR View

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Arsenal were mauled 3-0 by Aston Villa at the Emirates Stadium prior to the international break, leaving Mikel Arteta with far more questions than answers.

The Spaniard has overseen four wins and four defeats from the first eight games of the campaign, with the latest defeat arguably the most alarming.

Dean Smith’s side arrived on North London on the back of two straight defeats but in truth never looked like losing the contest.

One problem which is undoubtedly staring Arteta in the face is a lack of creativity.

With that in mind, he simply has to utilise Joe Willock after the international break in a bid to get his team firing once more.

The 21-year-old is yet to play a single minute of action in the Premier League but has excelled in Europe.

He has played in all three of Arsenal’s game in the Europa League, scoring two goals and registering two assists.

The Gunners left Mesut Ozil out of their 25-man Premier League squad this season and the irony is that Arteta could do with his creative spark right now.

Willock, although perhaps not as accomplished as Ozil, could be the next best option right now for Arsenal.

Capable

He has shown the versatility to play as a No.10 or in a more natural central midfield role and has really shone during cup games this season.

Willock hasn’t even been in the squad for the last two league games and the time has now come for change.

The £20,000-a-week player can hardly do any worse than any of the team which faced Aston Villa.

Arteta has proved that he is willing to let young players play if they can prove they are good enough.

Willock has done that in Europe and now he deserves his Premier League opportunity.