Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta handed Ainsley Maitland-Niles a chance in their victory over Norwich City.

The Gunners blocked a move to Everton before the transfer window closed despite his plea to the club to let him leave.

And the Merseyside club are planning to revive their interest in the New Year.

But Arteta lived up to his promise by starting him in Arsenal 's 1-0 win over Norwich City as Pierre Emerick Aubameyang's second-half strike gave the Gunners a much-needed three points.

And not only that, Arteta played him in his preferred position in the middle of the park with Granit Xhaka suspended.

His performance alongside Albert Sambi Lokonga was encouraging as he broke up play on countless occasions and drove Arsenal forward in the other direction.