Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has been called out by the brother of a former academy player for neglecting the club’s youth talent in the aftermath of their 2-0 defeat to Liverpool in the FA Cup.
Despite dominating the first half and creating numerous chances, Arsenal lost at the Emirates after a Jakub Kiwior own goal and a late strike from Luis Diaz sealed their fate.
This marked the Gunners’ third consecutive defeat, despite fielding a close-to-full-strength side.
Oshayne Hutchinson, the 20-year-old brother of former Arsenal academy player Omari, took to social media to take a hit at Arteta.
Omari signed a professional contract with Arsenal in 2020 but never made a first-team appearance, eventually leaving for Chelsea on a free transfer in the summer of the same year, where he played twice last season.
Currently on loan at Ipswich Town in the Championship, Omari’s brother pointed out the lack of opportunities for young players at Arsenal compared to other top clubs.
Oshayne highlighted that while youth prospects were getting chances at clubs like Spurs, Chelsea, Manchester City, and Liverpool, the same couldn’t be said for Arsenal.
He emphasised this as a significant reason for Omari’s departure and called on Arteta to give opportunities to the young talents in the academy.
On his Instagram story, Oshayne wrote, “Some people owe my brother an apology. All the abuse and hate he received from when he left Arsenal. I hope you guys are all seeing why. I feel sorry for Arsenal youth man. Free the guys.”
🚨 Omari Hutchinson brother highlighting why he left Arsenal.
No debut tonight for any youngsters pic.twitter.com/lqgsQ2mETd
— TheSecretScout (@TheSecretScout_) January 7, 2024
While Arteta did feature youth products such as Bukayo Saka, Reiss Nelson, Emile Smith Rowe, and Eddie Nketiah, Oshayne appeared to be addressing concerns about the lack of opportunities for the next generation.
Notably, youngsters Ethan Nwaneri, Lino Sousa, and Reuell Walters were unused substitutes, whereas Liverpool’s Jurgen Klopp was willing to give Conor Bradley and Bobby Clark a chance, who were introduced in the second half.
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