Mikel Arteta speaks out on Marli Salmon’s mistake during Arsenal v Mansfield: “I could sense it..”

Marli Salmon made a slight error to put a blot on an otherwise excellent Arsenal performance at Mansfield and Mikel Arteta has addressed that issue.

Salmon made the error to help Mansfield back into the game in what was a steep learning curve for the youngster.

However, for Mikel Arteta, it’s all part of the process as he defended his young defender.

Mikel Arteta defends Marli Salmon after his mistake against Mansfield

Every young player is going to make an error at times, never mind someone who is only 16.

Indeed, Arteta very much took that line when asked to comment on Salmon’s error.

“Yeah, I have to watch it back, but I could sense that he was responsible,” Arteta said on Salmon.

“It is good in a way, but don’t lose perspective, because everyone that’s been in that room, that has been at this level, has made an error, a mistake or a situation leading to a goal, but that’s not important.

“The important thing is the way he played, and some of the things that he’s done on the pitch. I think that’s much more important than the other parts.”

With Salmon starting and Max Dowman also playing from the start, Arsenal’s team had a very young feel to it.

Rate Marli Salmon and Max Dowman’s performances vs Mansfield Town!

Indeed, with Jaden Dixon also entering the field, Arsenal fans got a glimpse of the future. And for Arteta, their performances warranted a mention.

“Well, I’m very proud of him [Dowman], very proud as well of Marli, obviously, two 16-year-olds, starting in the FA Cup.That tells us a lot about them, their personality and the quality that they have. And Max, yeah I think he was exceptional,” Arteta added.

“Well, first of all, congratulations to them, because to make their [full] debuts in the FA Cup, I think Max is the youngest ever in the competition, and this competition has been going on for a while. So, it tells you how difficult that is. And I’m very proud of them, I hope Jaden enjoyed it the same with their debut. And to continue to work is just the first step for them, and there’s plenty more to come.”