Sicario2 - Tier 1 The fitness standard of the Premier League in general, and of our team in particular, is much higher than 20 years ago. There is so much more running in the modern game – high-intensity pressing, tracking back, etc.

    Are there any stats that back that up? I'd be curious to know. It's absolutely true that the journeyman Premier League footballer is fitter and more professional than 20 years ago but it'd be interesting to see how top teams like Arsenal, Man Utd and Chelsea today compare to 2005-ish when it comes to distance run in a match.

      Dom you don’t need stats. Just go watch last week’s carling cup games. Many looked like men vs boys.

        Quality of coaching and professionalism of footballers in England has improved considerably in the last ten years, but "players run a lot more these days" always sounded dubious to me. Top PL players in this era are averaging 10 - 12km per game (with some hitting 13km for certain matches) which is roughly the same as what players like Gerrard and Rooney were averaging over 15 years ago.

        Prem games are less manic and back-and-forth these days if anything.

          I don't think there's any need to rush him right now. I would imagine he was licking his lips to be able to be able to come on in a game Arsenal were absolutely dominating on Saturday and help, finally, push a very ragged Leicester over the cliff. There's a world of difference between that game state and one you'd typically find from minute 1 of your average Premier League fixture.

          But what I think is super exciting is, not only was he trusted to come on and be that difference on Saturday, but he was that difference.

          Dom match goers said his lack of stamina was very apparent towards the end.

            Clrnc exactly. Its about getting the best available XI on the pitch while managing the work load across the season. For that reason he's ready for more. People are saying he's not ready for 90 minutes well ok, we have 5 subs to use. Rarely see Trossard play 90 in that position either.

            Claudius if we can't get 3 points vs Chelsea then Arteta isn't the manager I think he is. I fully expect us to control that and not play into their strengths. They are a team with one gear, we should be able to tactically nullify that.

                  He needs to be managed carefully. We have seen Cesc thrive and we have also seen Wilshere lose a promising career. That said I think players should have that feeling of being rewarded. He deserves a start when we are missing players, will only drive him to get better.

                  There is a space in between 10 minutes here and there and play 90 minutes every week. A few starts while Ode is injured wont over use Nwarei too young.

                  Personally I'm more worried about a drop in confidence (from a bad game) than I am from overuse. Which is why I think continuing to build him up is the way forward. 30 mins in the 2nd half vs Southampton and a full start vs Preston.

                    MistaT this sounds like a plan to me even though he does look like he a confident young man

                      MistaT Personally I'm more worried about a drop in confidence (from a bad game) than I am from overuse.

                      This is an inevitability. Something every player has to get through.

                          Qwiss yep, it's more a question of how he responds, which is one mark of a player destined for the top

                            19 days later

                            Has to start the next game in CL and then see if he’s ready for Liverpool.

                            I don’t give a fuck he’s 17, last nite he showed more personality than most of the players in difficult circumstances.

                            Sometimes in life you got to take a risk. Do it Mikel. Put your balls on the table and play this kid. He’s good enough and we need him.

                            May need something to force Arteta’s hand, but this guy needs to play. He’ll be the best player at the club within a year

                              Just the way he moves and the poise he has on the ball. It’s a level above everyone else