Arsenal’s youngsters have certainly experienced a range of emotions this week, with Monday’s commendable victory over Manchester City at U21 level being swiftly followed by a disappointing defeat to Chelsea last night in the first-leg of their FA Youth Cup Semi-Final.
With games scheduled around every three days at this stage of the season, various players are receiving run-outs at different levels, with the starting line-up for the victory over City not containing any of the players who began the game at Stamford Bridge yesterday.
The City game, against a side coached by Patrick Vieira, was particularly notable for the performance of Jon Toral, with the Spanish midfielder scoring twice and delivering a composed overall display in the 4-3 win. His compatriot Hector Bellerin, raiding forwards from right-back, also got on the scoresheet, as did centre-back Stefan O’Connor.
It was far from a perfect performance from Arsenal, however, with some disappointing defending allowing City to score three goals, two of which came in a dramatic finale. Steve Gatting’s side just about managed to hold on, however, and the result was a welcome one following on from some worrying scorelines at second-string level of late.
Yesterday’s trip to Stamford Bridge in the Youth Cup Semi-Final was much anticipated, and, after a slow start, the game eventually came to life in the second-half. Chelsea won 2-1, but it was Arsenal who opened the scoring courtesy of Chuba Akpom, who finished well after latching onto a precise pass from Ainsley Maitland-Niles.
Chelsea were the more dangerous side throughout in an attacking sense, though, and Arsenal were the orchestrators of their own downfall in some respects. Gedion Zelalem carelessly lost possession in midfield in the build-up to Chelsea’s equaliser, with the German midfielder making a similar mistake shortly afterwards which went unpunished.
Zelalem, after a disappointing performance, was replaced by Jack Jebb, but Arsenal were lacking their usual flair going forwards and were all too vulnerable defensively, with the young Gunners heavily reliant on goalkeeper Josh Vickers, who made several superb saves to prevent further damage.
Arsenal are far from out of the tie, but coach Carl Laraman will be expecting an immense improvement from his side in next week’s second-leg at Emirates Stadium. Zelalem and fellow midfielder Dan Crowley found it difficult to influence the game, whilst Akpom still managed to catch the eye despite being starved of service up front.
One positive to take from the game, however, was the performance of Julio Pleguezuelo, the centre-back signed from Barcelona last Summer. Despite not being the tallest, Pleguezuelo is an excellent reader of the game and it was announced today that he has signed his first professional contract with the club.
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Jeorge Bird is the author of www.arsenalyouth.wordpress.com Follow him on Twitter @jeorgebird
Photo by Kieran Clarke
So how close is Pleguezuelo to the first team, do you think? Will he be sent out on loan next year, or could he fill in as 4th choice CB?
And what about our other youngsters, how close are they? Vickers, Hayden, Bellerin, Akpom; Zelalem we know about, but Crowley, Eisfeld?
Pleguezuelo is a good defender but no where near the first team for me, same with Zelalem, Crowley, and Eisfeld. Zelalem, & Crowley can’t defend really (Yet), and Eisfled for me just isn’t good enough. Vickers is impressive, Hayden/ Bellerin and Akpom have already played for the first team and I think could contribute now if needed. I would say all three still need a year out on loan somewhere, then maybe the year after play in the first team. And Ainsley Maidland Niles Wow! This kid is really good, pacy, strong, and a good dribbler. The type of winger… Read more »
Only seen Pleguezuelo play a few times but I would think he is behind Miquel who is not getting much gametime at Leicester. Crowley looks like a great little ball player, although it is worth noting he is 4/5 years younger than Eisfeld and has a few years left at this level. Eisfeld is very hard to judge, does not really impose himself on games and seems to go missing but still gets himself into great positions. I like the look of Toral, even out wide he looks like one for the future for sure. I can see us getting… Read more »
I really think we ought to stop hyping these young players. It’s tough to make it as a pro, that too at any top 4 side in the big 3 or 4 leagues. These kids need to mature physically, tactically, emotionally… they need to perform consistently, get exposure and experience, and most importantly impress when they get a chance. For every Jack or Cesc there are tons that never made it after all the hype, and are now playing league one or league two or whatever. Let’s hope Pleggy, Toral, Bellerin, Hayden, Eisfeld, Zelalem and Olsson get a chance to… Read more »