Paul Merson has praised Arsenal loanee Ainsley Maitland-Niles for an ‘outstanding’ display for Southampton at Chelsea. The Gunners hero loved the Hale Enders’ efforts on Saturday.
Southampton travelled to Stamford Bridge this weekend without a manager having sacked Nathan Jones on Sunday. But James Ward-Prowse (45’+1) gave his south coast side a lead in west London. The midfielder fired home yet another free-kick from just outside the box.
Interim Saints boss Ruben Selles took charge of the St Mary’s outfit’s visit to the capital. He would also start Maitland-Niles at right-back – lining the Arsenal product up against Mason Mount and Ben Chilwell. The 25-year-old also faced Mykhaylo Mudryk in the second half.
ARSENAL LOANEE MAITLAND-NILES EARNED A RARE START FOR SOUTHAMPTON AT CHELSEA
Maitland-Niles has now featured just 12 times in the Premier League so far this term since joining Southampton on loan from Arsenal after facing Chelsea. The five-cap England star moved to the coast last August. His switch also includes the option to become permanent.
Ralph Hasenhuttl started Maitland-Niles in just four of his six top-flight matches before the Saints sacked the Austrian in November. Each of his outings under the 55-year-old came in central midfield in nine potential games. But Jones utilised his versatility whilst in charge.
Maitland-Niles started in just two of his five outings over Jones’ eight league fixtures at the St Mary’s helm. His appearances came in central midfield and right-back, while earning his starts from right-midfield in a 2-1 loss at Fulham and at centre-half in a 2-1 loss to Wolves.
MERSON PRAISES MAITLAND-NILES FOR AN ‘OUTSTANDING’ DISPLAY AT STAMFORD BRIDGE
Despite it not being his natural position, Arsenal loanee Maitland-Niles impressed Merson at right-back for Southampton against Chelsea. The Hale End product – whose contract at the Emirates Stadium will expire in 2024 – particularly stood out after denying Raheem Sterling.
“Brilliant play by Sterling,” Merson told Sky Sports News (18/02, 16:28). “Sterling gets it on the right. He comes inside, [and] plays a lovely ball to [Kai] Havertz.
“Havertz in the box, you think he’s going to shoot. [But he] pulls it back to Sterling, who carried his run on. From about the penalty spot, side-foot – what a block by Maitland-Niles, who’s been absolutely outstanding.”
Arsenal let Maitland-Niles join Southampton on loan as he was not a part of Mikel Arteta’s plans. But the Gunners would have admired the London-born star’s work at Chelsea. While Maitland-Niles will hope that the next Saints manager is more forthcoming with minutes.
