Arteta could unleash 18-year-old ‘more exciting than Saka’ today, Arsenal fans should be excited – TBR View

Sat 19 February 2022 7:15, UK

Arsenal will be hoping to make it two Premier League wins in a row when they face Brentford today.

The Gunners host their fellow London outfit at the Emirates Stadium in a 3pm kickoff.

Arsenal haven’t played a game since 10 February, when they ran out 1-0 winners away at Wolves.

It provided a much-needed boost for the Gunners, who failed to win a game in January.

Arsenal will also hope to avenge their 2-0 defeat to Brentford in their 2021-22 season opener.

However, Mikel Arteta has some problems up front, with Gabriel Martinelli serving a suspension.

Martinelli picked up a red card in the win at Molineux after getting two yellow cards in the same phase of play.

Emile Smith Rowe is expected to take the Brazilian’s place in the starting XI.

Ivory Coast international Nicolas Pepe is also in consideration for selection.

But it looks as though Arteta could give a call-up – and potential debut – to a Hale End star.

The player in question is Omari Hutchinson, who has been training with the Gunners.

“Plays like he’s on his lunchtime at school”

Hutchinson is one of the most talented players at the Arsenal academy.

The 18-year-old has progressed through the ranks at Hale End since joining the Gunners setup at the age of 11.

Hutchinson is known for his technical ability, passing and speed, earning comparisons with Raheem Sterling ().

The midfielder, who penned professional terms in November 2020, stepped up to the Arsenal Under-23s last summer.

He’s already a cut above at that level, registering from 18 age appearances this term.

recently named Hutchinson in their list of the 50 most exciting teenagers in world football, at number 36.

They deemed him “more exciting than Bukayo Saka was in the Under-23s.”

They also said: “The teenager has a similarly wicked left foot and an ability to cut in from the left.

“But he’s flashier, enjoys a mazy run and plays like he’s on his lunchtime at school.”

Hutchinson has made three matchday squads this year in all competitions.

He was on the bench against Burnley in the league, Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup, and the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg against Liverpool.

Hutchinson is yet to make his debut, but on Saturday, Arteta could well unleash him against the Bees.

And if he does, Arsenal fans should be excited – he really is a top talent.