Ainsley Maitland-Niles has thanked Arsenal fans for their support after the win against Newcastle, and believes there’s a lot more to come from the team.
It’s been quite a week for the 20-year-old.
Having appeared predominantly in Arsenal’s cup teams this season, he’s been given two Premier League starts in a row, albeit in the unfamiliar position of left back.
He’s caught the eye in both appearances and has thanked fans for making his introduction to the first team a comfortable one.
Arsenal defeated Newcastle on Saturday thanks to an amazing volley from Mesut Ozil.
It was the team’s first league win since the 3-1 loss to Manchester United and Maitland-Niles feels there’s more to come.
“That’s just the start of what’s to come for us,” he said.
“We need to carry on with the good performances, stay strong at the back and not concede.
“We made it a bit harder for ourselves in the last 20 minutes because we should’ve tried to keep the ball more, but Mesut’s goal was fantastic. He’s deserved it because he’s been playing so well recently. To top it off with a goal like that is really good for him.”
Arsenal will be relying on home comforts this week as they welcome West Ham to the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday for the Carabao Cup quarter-final, before hosting Liverpool in the Premier League the following Friday.
Maitland-Niles could feature in both games as a left back.
His selection there has been a progression from playing left wing-back in the Europa League and Carabao Cup this season.
It’s not his most natural position, but he’s not letting that hinder his performances.