I know, two posts in one day but how could I not mention last nights victory for the under 18’s? Any win over that lot is good and this one is no different.
Per Mertesacker, head of the Arsenal Academy. A privileged position as ultimately, the way he goes about his job has a big impact on the future of our younger players. Yes, each age group has their own manager and in the case of last night, thank goodness.
Arsenal under 18’s, a team of players who could be our tomorrow, were facing our most bitter rivals in the FA Youth Cup at home but where was the big German? At the O2 Arena, working as an NBA pundit for DAZN as Washington Wizards played the New York Knicks. That’s where and personally, I think that was a poor decision.
A few of our squad players were at the O2 as well which I guess is no big deal but I’ve a hunch that back in the good old days, our senior players would have been at the Arsenal v Totts match supporting their team mates. David Dein would have been that’s for sure.
I didn’t see the game and as yet, I can’t find any highlights either, so I’ve nicked the info on how it went from the official website.
Despite starting strong and instantly placing the visitors under pressure, it was Tottenham who opened the scoring through Armando Shashoua. Cottrell soon equalised with his third goal in as many matches.
Paris Maghoma gave the visitors the lead again, before Xavier Amaechi then came close to an equaliser but his powerful left-footed effort was pushed away to safety.
Amaechi continued to threaten after the break and following a darting run into the area, the 18-year-old was brought down by Josh Oluwayemi. The referee was left with no other choice than to point to the spot – Saka drew us level from 12 yards.
Shortly after Mark McGuinness made a stunning last-ditch tackle to deny the visitors a third, before Balogun’s powerful effort was saved.
With the scores even at the end, the match went to extra time. and it was here when our attacking intensity and fitness paid off. Amaechi gave us the lead for the first time, before Balogun doubled our advantage from six yards.
In the second half of extra time Saka scored the pick of the goals with a stunning strike into the top corner from 20 yards.
Those youngsters must be feeling mighty proud this morning. Any Arsenal team which defeats the neighbours should be proud because it matters to the fans and club. Beating Tottenham twice a season in the league was how it used to always be for the first team but that’s changed over the last few years. A temporary thing I’m sure.
The first team have already torn apart a Tottenham side who the media like to gush over and a repeat of that performance and result in a few weeks time away from home would be even more satisfying.
For the under 18’s and their manager Ken Gillard, it’s back to the league where they remain in with a chance of being crowned champions.
For the first team though, it’s a huge battle for them to secure a top four spot before the end on May. A battle which one or two of those who were playing last night, could yet be involved in.
See you in the comments guys..
Morning Rico and all. Interesting that we are being linked to Jack Clark of Leeds.
Morning Adam. Don’t know anything about him..
Rico. I watched the Leeds match with Derby a week or so ago. Bielsa might be a bit dubious with all this spying stuff but Leeds were impressive. Lots of pace,highly fit and they play some serious stuff. Young Clark, I think he’s 18, played wide right. He was a real handful all evening. Beat his man continuously and puts in a wicked cross between the keeper and the striker. I was enormously impressed with him. He looks like a great prospect to me.
Better than the 18 year olds we have in his position though Adam?
I can’t say Rico, but I hear that Pep wants him, having watched him many times. Having said that, it’s a big step up to go into the first team and most won’t make that jump successfully. Just saying that he really stood out for me.
Well now’s the time to go for him Adam. If Peps on his tail, we should be and he’s more chance with us than City imo.
Very true. I read that now is the time to make a move because of his contract situation.
A side-show to us at the moment though.
Yep, goodness only knows what’s going on behind the scenes. If we present ourselves as a fragmented club though, players aren’t going to be attracted to a move in any case.
Morning Gooners
Morning Rico
I wonder if the ‘new improved’ Mesut Ozil will be a part of tomorrow’s game vs Chelsea?
Will all the extra effort he’s apparently put into training earn him a recall?
And am I really bothered anyway?
Live on the BBC, Friday night, I wonder how many empty seats there’ll be at the Home of Football..? Could all hinge on the Chelsea result…
More interestingly, what a top performance by our U18’s yesterday evening.
Morning Kev. I reckon Ozil will start. If he doesn’t then I think he’ll be gone by the end of the month.
Morning all.
I know most disagree with me on this, but let Ozil go out and create.
That’s his gig, it’s how he built his reputation, it’s how Real and Germany utilised him with massive success so just let him do it.
We don’t ask backs to create goals, and we didn’t sign him to defend so give him a free reign.
What have we got to lose?
If Dominic Solanki generated £17/£19m from Bournemouth, then it’s not impossible to think that Arsenal may have been tempted to sell Danny Welbeck this January for a similar amount.
So not only are we paying his wages whilst he’s injured, we’ve also probably lost a fee on him!
Lucky Arsenal…
Hiya Kev,
Some things really are just bad bloody luck.
Afternoon Rico and the House.
The goals from last nights game are now on the Arsenal website . Enjoy
Evening all and thanks Rico for a double, hope you are as generous in the pub……………..the drinks are on Rico !
🙂
It may have only been the FA Youth Cup for some, but I love this cup, it`s second only to the FA Cup imo and you can see how much it meant to the boys and if like Rick says they all come from Hale End, then they will have it in their DNA just like us what it means against the scummy inbreds, well I for one felt a lot more excited about the game than I did against the loss to W Ham !.
I love how honest, open and blase this chap Bielsa has been about Derbygate, good on him !…………………do we not spy on Watford and them visa versa as they live on the next training ground !………………..it`s been going on for years and who cares and a bit sour grapes from Lampard, bloody hell I was doing it in my youth aswell !………………..I remember sneaking into my Spud mate Gobber`s bedroom and hiding in the louvered wardrobe to spy on his Subbuteo tactics so I always knew which of his players to take out with my Peter Storey when we played !
Never go in them Lc 😇
Evening Rick. Seen the goals and a couple of good ones in there…
Hiya Scott, I’m just watching Ian Wright on You Tube.
Massive game today, season defining in many regards.
The players need to turn up, no more hiding behind the manager.
I read a very, very detailed article on Ozil, today.
I believe it was written a few months ago, and it details the extent to which he was torn part by the abuse and vilification he received before, during and after the World Cup.
At any one time during his career, he’s been lauded and persecuted by both Germans and Turks, and the article reall tells the tale of a very sad and confused young man.
Is he really physically injured, or is he suffering something else?
The article shows him to be a very decent guy who struggles to handle the limelight.
Kev, Wrighty is hilarious.
Those little clips of him singing and dancing in the car are just gold!!!
New post up now