Ian Wright says he’s ‘delighted’ for Arsenal duo despite defeat to Liverpool

Add as preferred source on Google

Arsenal legend Ian Wright has expressed his delight for young Arsenal stars Joe Willock and Ainsley Maitland-Niles, despite the club’s defeat to Liverpool in the Carabao Cup.

The Gunners lost the pulsating tie on a penalty shootout after the game finished 5-5.

Arsenal were 5-4 up in the dying embers of the game, but couldn’t keep out Divock Origi who rescued the hosts – the Reds then triumphed on spot-kicks.

It was a night where both managers rung the changes, with Unai Emery featuring youngsters Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, Willock and Maitland-Niles in his starting XI.

The latter two came in for praise from Wright after the game, who wrote on Twitter: “Delighted for @Joewillock and @Ains_7 Been a few difficult weeks for both of them. Crucial weeks in their development and both responded brilliantly.”

Willock has been seeing less game time in recent weeks and didn’t make the matchday squad last weekend against Crystal Palace.

Maitland-Niles hasn’t made the last two Premier League matchday squads, and was an unused substitute for games against Bournemouth and Manchester United.

TBR’s view – Young duo impressed vs Liverpool

Willock and Maitland-Niles can indeed hold their heads high for their performances at Anfield.

The midfielders did well, with both managing to get on the scoresheet.

It can’t have been easy for the pair in the last few weeks but they have shown good character and will both hope to see more action in the Premier League again as the fixtures now come thick and fast.