Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has lifted the lid on why right-back Hector Bellerin has kept his place in the starting line-up for this evening's UEFA Europa League semi-final second-leg against Villarreal.
The Spaniard has been in and out of the team in recent weeks, with Arteta regularly switching between him and Calum Chambers at right-back.
But after delivering an assured performance during Sunday's 2-0 win over Newcastle United, the defender, who could leave the Emirates Stadium this summer to explore a new venture, has kept his place in the team.
Arteta told BT Sport: "Different reasons. Hector had a really good game against Newcastle, he offers different qualities in that position, a role in which we believe he can be really important today. So, he has his place.
“Bukayo [Saka] is playing in the front line."
On the challenge of trying to overcome Villarreal and turn the tie on its head, the Gunners boss added: "As you mentioned, we know we’re able to get through some difficult moments, but today we have to have the perfect game to get through against a really good team.
"We put ourselves in a difficult position in the first game but we managed to be alive today and it’s in our hands.
"It’s a very young side, but we are really focused and clear. We have lots of experience in the competition, we have played many of those games.
"Those experiences are now positive."
You can follow all of the very latest as it happens from the Emirates Stadium this evening on our dedicated matchday live blog.
