Mikel Arteta says He could drop senior players and play his youngsters ahead of Burnley game

Arsenal have been in great form in the Europa League this season. The Gunners wrapped the group stage games with a sounding 4-2 win over Dundalk on Thursday night.

Arsenal who had already qualified for the round of 32 prior to the game away from home made sure their kept their 100 percent record in the group stage. 

Mikel Arteta had fielded his youngsters such as, Eddie Nketiah, Joe Willock, and Folarin Balogun who were on  the scoresheet. Also, Smith Rowe added some creativity when the Gunners were in the attacking rein. 

Mikel Arteta also handed academy graduate Miguel Azeez his debut as he came off the bench to play in the closing stages of the game as the Gunners beat Dundalk 4-2 in the Europa League on Thursday.

Although, the Gunners are yet to determine their next opponent in the round of 32 as the Europa will return in February 2021.

Meanwhile, Mikel Arteta side haven't been convincing in the league. Arsenal are currently in 15th in the league as they struggling to record victory. 

The manager has revealed he could be tempted to bench some of his senior players and hand his young players game time following their form in the Europa. 

Arteta told reporters: "When I feel that it is the right moment to do that I have to pick the players that I have the feeling, we have the feeling as a coaching staff, that has the best chance to win the game, so it has to be a yes."

Arsenal host Burnley on Sunday at the Emirates stadium. The Gunners have fell to defeats to likes of Aston Villa, Leicester City and Wolverhampton at home so far.

Last week, Tottenham Hotspur compounded the Gunners struggles with a 2-0 win over them in the north London derby. 

Arteta says he's side have to be optimistic despite poor results recently. 

He said: "Absolutely, and we can do nothing right now about what happened in the last few weeks," he said. "We know the home form is going to be vital for our success and we have to change that immediately.

"So, if we want to have any hope of doing something important and relevant this season, it has to be by winning the games at home."

He added: "I'm telling the desire, commitment, attitude and everything that they will try and put onto that pitch will be the best that they can do.

"It’s not just about character, because at the end you have to win football matches, you have to make a lot of decisions on that pitch and everybody has to contribute for that.

"So it’s not just about how much I want it, because it’s an opponent in front of you that are gonna minimise your strengths and maximise your weaknesses. What I can tell you is that the team will be prepared to battle with a real desire because we know how important that game is going to be for us."