Mikel Arteta hails Arsenal's youngsters after making NINE changes for FA Cup win over Portsmouth
Daily MailMikel Arteta admits he took a risk making nine changes for the FA Cup win at Portsmouth but claims he was left with no choice as some of his players were struggling to recover from their shock Europa League exit. Mikel Arteta hailed his Arsenal youngsters after his side's 2-0 FA Cup win over Portsmouth Arteta made nine changes to side after admitting some of his senior players were 'knackered' Eddie Nketiah made the most of a rare start with the Gunners' second of the night While the Spaniard conceded making wholesale alterations put Arsenal's only chance of silverware this season in jeopardy, he believed he was left with no alternative as only David Luiz and Bukayo Saka retained their places on the south coast. Sokratis Papastathopoulos volleyed home Reiss Nelson's cross to put Arsenal in front 'The energy, the focus and the willingness and desire to play in this competition is really important.' Nketiah then fired home from close range to send Arsenal into the FA Cup quarter-finals Portsmouth manager Kenny Jackett was proud of his players but, after a strong start, felt their Premier League opponents were worthy of their place in the next round.