3. A valuable experience for Arsenal’s young players
The victory against West Bromwich Albion was the first time many of Arsenal’s team will have played 120 minutes and taken part in a penalty shootout.
The mental strength both required to maintain that level of focus and play, and acquired from achieving progression cannot be underestimated, and it is an experience that the players involved will learn from.
Of those selected, Per Mertesacker and Mikel Arteta offered good senior support to the youngsters, with some solid if unspectacular performances from the novices.
Isaac Hayden was lucky not to see red for a dreadful challenge, but offered a strong presence in midfield. Thomas Eisfeld finished off a flowing move well, but was largely kept quiet. Wingers Serge Gnabry and Ryo Miyaichi showed good pace but lacked composure and ability in the final third.
Substitute Chuba Akpom showed great strength and ball retention, whilst fellow replacement Hector Bellerin – nominally a right back, but filling in at central midfield – was also impressive.
In the next round, manager Arsene Wenger will hope for fewer injury concerns, with the likes of Mathieu Flamini, Santi Cazorla, Theo Walcott, Tomas Rosicky and Yaya Sanogo all set to be available to face Chelsea.
Still, regardless of who he selects to face Jose Mourinho’s side, Wenger will be thankful that his young players got the team there.
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