Arsenal's versatile midfielder Ainsley Maitland-Niles scored an ice-cold penalty during Saturday's Community Shield win against Liverpool, but that wasn't his first nonchalant-finish from the spot.
The 23-year-old stole the headlines last weekend after his impressive performance against Jurgen Klopp's side.
He looked dangerous on the counter attack and defended well against the likes of Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah.
Birthday boy. Man of the match. Wembley winner.
How can today get any better for @MaitlandNiles?! #CommunityShield pic.twitter.com/XZvvuI85Sb
- Arsenal (@Arsenal) August 29, 2020
Ahead of the game, however, Maitland-Niles was being linked with a move away from the Emirates, with Wolves reportedly interested in his services.
But it now appears Mike Arteta's side are considering offering the academy graduate a new deal.
It is a deserved reward for his fine form of late. Maitland-Niles seems to perform when the stakes are high, with his incredible penalty-taking ability a fine example of the midfielder's cool, calm and collected nature.
He converted from the spot with a ridiculously-cool finish in front of The Kop during a classic Carabao Cup quarter-final in October, and slotted away a number of quality kicks in pre-season.
Check out a compilation of all those pens posted by Twitter user @mikelaafc. The definition of cool.
Look at this guy :sob: pic.twitter.com/OhLkNYAc6v
- mikelaafc (@mikelaafc) August 31, 2020
Ainsley Maitland Niles is the coldest bloke on the planet :sob::sob:
- :crown: (@elliotafc) August 29, 2020
Maitland-Niles' future at Arsenal remains up in the air, despite reports of contract talks.
The 23-year-old was, however, asked about his future after Saturday's game at Wembley but pundit Chris Sutton wasn't convinced by his comments.
"Maitland-Niles was asked about his future with him being linked to Wolves, who have just let their wing back Matt Doherty join Tottenham," Sutton said in his Daily Mail column.
"His answer - 'I am an Arsenal player until I am told otherwise' - did not sound like someone who is set to stay.
"If I was an Arsenal decision-maker, I wouldn't be in a hurry to get rid of Maitland-Niles, who still has three years on his contract.
"Arteta would be better off with him than without him."
Do you think Arsenal should offer Ainsley Maitland-Niles a new deal?
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Topics: Liverpool, Football News, Football, Arsenal, Penalty, Ainsley-Maitland Niles
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