Valentine's Day, 2005. Crystal Palace at home. It is a day that signalled a shift in the way English football was heading, as Arsenal became the first Premier League side to field an entire matchday squad without a single Englishman.
Since those days, we've seen a plethora of wonderful, world-class foreign players grace the English game. We've also seen the Gunners affectionately referred to as 'Le Arsenal' due to their large contingent of French players.
However, on Sunday Arsenal fans were able to look down from the away end in the upper reaches of St James' Park on a starting lineup which – while it screamed 'pre-season friendly' – was in fact their newly transformed squad in a top-flight encounter.
2 - Arsenal have named two English teenagers (Joe Willock and Reiss Nelson) in their starting XI for a Premier League game for the first time since February 1998 (Paolo Vernazza and Matthew Upson vs Crystal Palace), before either Willock or Nelson were born. Future. pic.twitter.com/pmoSSEmLN4
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) August 11, 2019
For the first time since 1998,
It was a plan set in motion when the decision was made to promote Freddie Ljungberg from Under-23 coach to the first-team fold, and the fruits of those labours were laid bare in Arsenal's opening day win over Newcastle.
Fortunately
Ainsley Maitland-Niles for Arsenal vs. Newcastle:
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) August 13, 2019
• Most duels won (10)
• Most take-ons (4)
• Most tackles won (4)
• Most interceptions (3)
• Most assists (1)
Coming into his own. ✨ pic.twitter.com/iiXbhZBW6p
Of course, after years of failing to launch a meaningful assault on the Premier League title, Arsenal fans have been crying out for marquee, big-name signings that can propel them back among Europe's elite.
However, ask the fanbase how much it meant to them to see three of their academy products starting a Premier League match, because they'll tell you that feeling is invaluable.
Eddie Nketiah, among others, hasn't even been given a mention, as he got his season-long loan at Leeds United off to a rip-roaring start. With Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang now the wrong side of thirty, his potential successor lies in wait, while Mesut Ozil could well be overthrown by Willock who is 11 years his junior.
Home
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) August 15, 2019
Bring on Saturday #ARSBUR pic.twitter.com/1FmLQG9DWT
Integrating that crop with the more established names in the squad will be key, but that motion has already been brought into effect.
A foundation of youth willing to seize their moment whenever available adds further competition for places, and with four tournaments to play in this season, they will heed their manager's call when it arrives.
Source : 90min