“The difference between Klopp and Arteta” - Wright-Phillips insists Arsenal boss does not trust 2 players enough
Former Premier League star Shaun Wright-Phillips has spoken about a clear difference between Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta and Liverpool boss Jürgen Klopp this season. Both managers are neck-and-neck as they pursue Premier League glory, with goal difference separating their sides as the season approaches its conclusion.
Arteta took Arsenal to the brink of the Premier League title in the 2022-23 season, with a late capitulation denying his side a first league crown in two decades. This season, his side are in the running again to emerge as league champions, as they currently occupy the top spot.
Meanwhile, Jürgen Klopp led Liverpool to the league title in 2020, the only one of his time at the club so far. The German manager is looking to win the title for a second time as he is set to leave the Reds at the end of the season.
Former Chelsea and Manchester City man Shaun Wright-Phillips has criticized Arteta's use of his squad this season, particularly two players, Emile Smith Rowe and Reiss Nelson. Speaking with the Premier League Productions, he spoke about the lack of rotation from Mikel Arteta, citing both academy graduates as examples.
Phillips said:
“The difference between Klopp and Arteta is Klopp has trusted in his younger players like your Quansah’s and Elliott’s."
“When Arsenal need to rotate it’s like he just doesn’t believe in Smith Rowe or Reiss Nelson to the point when they do get the chance. What are they thinking about? I can’t make a mistake or I am never going to a minute (again).”
Emile Smith Rowe has made only 12 league appearances for the Gunners this season, providing two assists. Of these appearances, only three have been starts, and the England U-21 international has tallied only 324 minutes in the league.
Reiss Nelson, on the other hand, has hardly featured for Arteta's side despite being fit most of the time. The 24-year-old has just 257 league minutes across 15 appearances for the Gunners.
Jurrien Timber makes long-awaited return with Arsenal U-21s
Dutch defender Jurrien Timber is nearing a return to first-team action with Arsenal after his serious ACL injury earlier this season. The defender has spent 254 days on the sidelines and has now returned to action with the club's U-21s as he steps up his return to fitness.
Timber is playing for the side against Blackburn Rovers U-21s in a Premier League 2 clash as he nears a return to full fitness. The former Ajax man has found the net with a fine effort to open the scoring in the first half.
Timber's return to fitness following his injury in his Premier League debut would be a huge boost for the Gunners in their run-in. The Dutchman will provide a fresh pair of legs to help the side potentially get over the line in their pursuit of the title.