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Ainsley Maitland-Niles has challenged his critics ahead of Hector Bellerin’s return from injury.

Arsenal began the Premier League campaign with two wins but have crumbled since their defeat against Liverpool with two consecutive 2-2 draws - Maitland-Niles has appeared in all five games so far.

While Maitland-Niles isn’t entirely at fault for his side’s defensive capitulation – David Luiz and Sokratis certainly aren't blameless – he’s most definitely complicit in the collective shoddiness Arsenal fans have the misfortune of viewing on nearly every away trip.

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With Bellerin set to return to action following a serious injury picked up against Chelsea in January, Maitland-Niles now faces a very real threat to his starting role in the squad.

The 22 year-old hopes to retrain his place and has asked supporters to be patient as he adapts to his defensive role.

Per Sky Sports, he said: "If I was a defender as a kid, and my defending was poor, I would understand where the criticism is coming from, but I'm trying my best for the team."

It’s safe to say the reactions to his comments from Arsenal fans were fairly negative…