Former Arsenal midfielder Ray Parlour has questioned Mikel Arteta’s decision to bench Alexandre Lacazette for former Leeds loanee Eddie Nketiah in their game against Newcastle.
Arteta handed Nketiah his first Premier League start of the season but he failed to make a major impact and was replaced by Lacazette in the 85th minute. The Frenchman went on to set up Mesut Ozil before scoring himself as the Gunners ran out 4-0 winners.
Speaking to talkSPORT, Parlour said: "He [Eddie] struggled first half, holding the ball up, which is what Lacazette does so well. He brings other people into play.
"Second half he was better and had a couple of opportunities for himself.
"That’s where managers have to make big decisions, but at least he’s showing he will give the youngsters a go."
Arteta has also said that it's up to both strikers to prove themselves in training.
"The message is very clear. Whoever trains like they do and I see they have the abilities, qualities and the hunger to perform like he has done today, he's got a chance to play," Arteta said in his post-match press conference.
"Today I decided to play Eddie because he's been training in a phenomenal way. I decided for him not to go on loan and to stay and I have to support that decision.
"Laca has been playing all the games with me, he hasn't scored and I told him the decision today - why - and he accepted it really well.
"I said 'you will come out and score a goal, he did and I am so pleased, not just for the goal but for the reaction of all his teammates and the staff because they showed how much they love him.
"And the reason why is because this guy works his balls off everyday."
Parlour did heap praise on fellow youngster Bukayo Saka, who had another impressive showing at left-back: "Saka was excellent again on the left, he had another really good game.
"I think they need to tie him down now with a new contract, they’re trying to organise that at the moment."
Arsenal's victory provides a timely boost ahead of the return of the Europa League on Thursday, where the Gunners travel to Greece to tackle Olympiacos.
