Arsenal: Ainsley Maitland-Niles redemption can finally begin

Arsenal fans have been left bewildered by the disappearance of Ainsley Maitland-Niles, but with clarification comes redemption, starting now.

It’s been weeks since we’ve properly seen Ainsley Maitland-Niles. Once an everyday guy, the Englishman completely disappeared when Mikel Arteta took over at Arsenal, and with very little explanation.

Even when Arteta did explain, it was more of an abstract explanation. He said that Maitland-Niles needs to put his head down and work hard. Yeah, don’t we all.

Now though, reports have come out stating that Maitland-Niles was turning up late to training. That’s the easiest way to get axed and frozen out. No matter what level of ability you’re at, you’re done if you don’t show up on time.

It sucks. You expect better from someone that’s been raised at the club. But now we know. We understand what he did wrong and we can only assume that things are going right again because while it’s disappointing to show up late several times, it’s downright petulant to continue doing so after you’re found out.

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As such, my bet is that Maitland-Niles has come around and is showing up on time, putting in the work, and is ready to turn things around and get back out there. And I don’t think that’s just my optimism talking. He’s a good lad, he loves the club, he’ll be wanting to get back out onto the pitch.

Not just that, but he has to see the opportunity still there for playing time. I mean, we’ve got Sokratis playing rightback for God’s sake. If that isn’t a clear indication that we need Maitland-Niles, then I don’t know what is.

But it also has to be a bit cautionary that we aren’t seeing Maitland-Niles coming back into the equation more. As Hector Bellerin struggles, both with his health and with consistency on the pitch, we need an alternative, and until Cedric Soares gets into the swing of things, Maitland-Niles has his chance to prove himself again. Every time he gets these chances, he succeeds. He just hasn’t made the moves to attempt any such chance with Arteta and the drama that’s been.

Don’t forget that Arteta is a master of motivation though. Anyone that can convince Granit Xhaka to stay after that mess is certainly capable of getting the most out of Maitland-Niles still yet.

Redemption can come to anyone, and Maitland-Niles is primed for a streak right about now.