Tony Cascarino hails Ainsley-Maitland Niles and Matteo Guendouzi after Newcastle win

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Arsenal’s away form was an issue last season but they showed signs of improvement on the road during the 1-0 victory over Newcastle United yesterday.

Tony Cascarino, as per the Times, the Game, page 7, 12/08, was especially impressed with young duo Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Matteo Guendouzi.

He said: “Arsenal surprised me with how gritty and tough they were yesterday. Arsenal showed good fight. Matteo Guendouzi impressed me in midfield; he was always looking for the ball, keen to dictate the game and prepared to mix it with his tackling.

“Ainsley Maitland-Niles also shone on the right flank with his pace and energy.”

TBR’s View – Not all about expensive new signings

Many Arsenal fans spent the summer demanding big-money new signings and while some did eventually arrive, any improvement from the Gunners will also rely on younger, unheralded players stepping up too.

Guendouzi cost a reported £8 million (Sky Sports) last summer while Maitland-Niles came through the academy but both showed their quality yesterday.

Arsenal also have a host of young players who are arguably the most exciting thing about the club right now, and Guendouzi and Maitland-Niles are blazing a trail for them to follow into the first team.

Unai Emery needs to get more pace and energy into his Arsenal team and playing young players is one way to go about it.