The problem with the ‘just play all the kids’ argument is that this is pretty much the worst situation to throw them into. It’s not great for their development, young players need to grow alongside experienced players- as we’ve seen before.

Even during ‘project youth’ when Arsenal scouted the globe for the best young talent on the planet, only a few of them actually achieved their potential. Most young players at a top club don’t make it, that’s just how it is.

It would be very satisfying to bin some of these players off and ‘just play the kids’ but it wouldn’t be very good for the young players, many of whom won’t make it at Arsenal long term regardless.

Putting one or two more in to shake things up is fine I guess, but one of Arsenal’s biggest issues is a lack of technique to be able to sustain attacks and keep the ball in the final third. Smith Rowe is the only one who comes close to solving that and his fitness needs managing.

Arsenal’s academy players have done a big part of their job this year by getting through the Europa League group stage with full points so we were able to rotate and rest players. It’s another thing entirely to ask them to save our Premier League season.