Arsenal defender Per Mertesacker has hailed the impact of their young players in recent games.
Francis Coquelin and Chuba Akpom, the 19-year-old forward set to agree a contract extension, have both impressed in recent performances.
Mertesacker, 30, believes having such young talent ready to step up to the challenge can only be positive.
"They have played an absolutely fantastic role and will get the experience now," the German said.
"That is really important, when there is an injury crisis, they can step up and can have a real impact. You could see (against Villa) that they are able to do that."
