Arsenal fans react on Twitter to Ainsley Maitland-Niles’ display

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A number of Arsenal fans have taken to Twitter to comment on Ainsley Maitland-Niles’s display as the Gunners drew 1-1 with Southampton on Wednesday.

Mikel Arteta’s men put an end to their run of home defeats. They came from behind to secure a point against the Saints, with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scoring a superb equaliser.

Arteta made a number of changes. And one of those involved Maitland-Niles coming in with Hector Bellerin suspended for the game after collecting five yellow cards.

Admittedly, some were not impressed by the 23-year-old’s display. However, the majority appear to feel that Maitland-Niles was significantly better than the Spaniard.

As shown by Whoscored, he completed two tackles, made two clearances and won two aerial duels. He also managed five interceptions. No other player on the pitch made more than three.

It is important to note that Maitland-Niles – who earns £35,000-a-week, according to Spotrac – was making only his third league start of the season in the draw. He has had to bide his time. And he is still awaiting a run in the side in a midfield role.

But plenty of fans feel that he did more than enough to show why Arteta must stick by him for the trip to Everton this weekend.

Here is how some of the supporters reacted to his display on Wednesday…