Arsenal midfielder Charlie Patino has reflected on January’s disappointing loss to Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup.
The 18-year-old is a popular figure amongst the club’s support and has been frequently hailed as yet another source of excitement as Mikel Arteta develops a long-term plan to restore former glories at the club.
Still, as is expected of a team largely containing young players, Arsenal have suffered with bouts of inconsistency, particularly away at the City Ground in the third-round of the FA Cup.
Mikel Arteta himself claimed it was a “magnificent experience” for Patino to lose on his first start for the senior side, suggesting it was “good” for the youngster to “see what happens when you lose at a big club”.
Speaking to Goal, Patino believes it was another step in his development.
“Now I have an understanding of Mikel being annoyed with the players, saying this is not good enough, rather than just, ‘well done boys, fantastic performance’.
“It was a big game to be a part of. Nottingham Forest obviously have a rich history and the fans were lively.
“I enjoyed the game even though it didn’t go our way. We were all hurt the next day, we knew we could have done better.”
With Arsenal’s injury and illness crisis easing since, Patino has only been included in three senior squads, although his time will surely soon come given the emphasis Arteta imposes on developing burgeoning talents.
Both Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe are flourishing under his stewardship, with Patino hailing the two England internationals for their “work ethic”.
“Bukayo and Emile are obviously very talented players, but I think what also separates them from a lot of other talented players who have come through is their attitude, their mindset and how humble they are.
“It’s very difficult coming straight from Hale End to London Colney and then getting straight to the first-team without really going on loan.
“That’s credit to their work ethic and what they do every day.”
