#3 Youth makes a mark; Holding and Tuanzebe impress
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Injuries, suspensions and Europa League priorities combined to ensure that a few youngsters took to the pitch for both teams in a vital fixture. It was noteworthy that they kept their cool and did nothing to give away their age or inexperience on the pitch.
19-year-old Axel Tuanzebe made his full debut for Manchester United in an unfamiliar slot at right back, his usual position being in the centre of defence. The fact that he managed to effectively neutralise Alexis Sanchez speaks volumes about why the defender is so highly rated by Mourinho and his staff.
The Congo-born teenager enjoyed his duel with the Chilean and refused to back down from challenges, giving the Arsenal attacker a tough time.
Another youngster - this one from Wenger’s team – seems to have carved a niche for himself in Arsenal’s relatively new 3-man defensive unit. Rob Holding, all of 21 years old, is as calm and composed as they come – clearing the ball, strong in the air, making long passes which manage to find his teammates on more occasions than not.
Shkodran Mustafi may be nursing an injury, but the Englishman has ousted Gabriel from the starting line-up, making a name for himself amongst players and fans. If his account against United is anything to go by, Arsenal seem to have bought one for the keeps!
