Arsenal fans must be tired of hearing about the fortunes of those who Mikel Arteta released on a free transfer.
Much has been made of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s resurgence in France after seeing his contract terminated at the Emirates Stadium, with the Gabon international scoring 25 goals in 42 appearances so far this season.
Shaka Hislop even admitted he would take Mesut Ozil – another player Arsenal released – ahead of Kevin De Bruyne.
However – aside from Aubameyang and Ozil – there is another player Arsenal let go for free who is now shining…
Ainsley Maitland-Niles stepping up after release at Arsenal
Well, Arsenal decided to let Ainsley Maitland-Niles join Lyon for free in August 2023 after choosing not to extend his contract.
Not a lot has been made of it as the England international quietly goes about his business in France, although it is now starting to look as if Arsenal let one of Europe’s best penalty takers leave for nothing.
As Lyon and Brest looked to be heading for a 3-3 draw in Ligue 1 on Sunday, the French giants were given a chance to win all three points with a penalty in the 116th minute.
With the likes of Alexandre Lacazette and Said Benrahma off the pitch, Maitland-Niles was entrusted to take control of the hugely pressurised moment.
Even a scruffy pea-roller into the net would have sufficed given the circumstances, but the Hale End graduate confidently strolled up to the ball and struck a fine effort into the top left corner.
One of the best around
This bold moment – along with some other unique penalties at Arsenal – mean the Lyon No.98 certainly has a case for being one of the best penalty takers on the planet.
Maitland-Niles simply does not miss.
The 26-year-old never took a kick from 12 yards for Arsenal during normal time, but did memorably step up to confidently dispatch three competitive efforts, all of which came against Liverpool in cup competition shootouts, including the FA Community Shield at Wembley.
Maitland-Niles even dinked a panenka penalty down the middle during a pre-season shootout in 2018.
After his heroics against Brest, we wouldn’t even be surprised if Lacazette stood down from penalties to let his old Arsenal teammate take them, especially after the Frenchman recently praised the Englishman.
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