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Arsenal news: Ainsley Maitland-Niles singled out by Match of the Day’s Danny Murphy
Match of the Day pundit Danny Murphy has hailed Arsenal defender Ainsley Maitland-Niles.
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The 20-year-old made his first Premier League start at left-back against West Ham last night.
And he thoroughly impressed as he helped the Gunners keep a clean sheet as they drew 0-0 at the London Stadium.
Alex Iwobi struck the base of the post for Arsenal before Javier Hernandez almost stole all three points for the Hammers by rattling the crossbar at the death.
But it was the performance of the youngster, who has been predominantly used in the Europa League and EFL Cup this season, which stole the show.
Ainsley Maitland-Niles was singled out for praise by Danny Murphy.
Maitland-Niles helped Arsenal to a goalless draw against West Ham.
He played left-back in a four, Arsenal changed it, and I still don’t know if he’s left-footed or right-footed.
Murphy highlighted his ability to use both feet and how comfortable he looked on the ball as his main assets.
“He impressed me massively,” Murphy said.
“He played left-back in a four, Arsenal changed it, and I still don’t know if he’s left-footed or right-footed.
“He was so comfortable on both. He was calm.
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“Every time he got into attacking areas he didn’t panic and he always picked out a decent ball.
“Defensively we didn’t see him too much today because they dominated the game for long periods but he didn’t look uncomfortable.
“His pace was good and he never dived in too often.”
Maitland-Niles will now be hoping to keep his place when Arsenal host Newcastle on Saturday (3pm).
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