It’s seven years since an Arsenal under-18 side, featuring the likes of Jack Wilshere and Francis Coquelin, beat Liverpool 6-2 on aggregate to secure the FA Youth Cup.
Tonight, the latest generation of young Gunners have the chance to seal a place in the 2016 final when they take on Manchester City at the Emirates.
Despite #TheJeff giving Steve Gatting’s side an early lead in the first leg, goals from Lukas Nmecha and Isaac Buckley mean City have the upper hand as the two sides battle for the right to play either Chelsea or Blackburn.
Reflecting on the challenge ahead striker Kaylen Hinds says playing on the hallowed first team turf can inspire a comeback victory.
“We are still in this tie and we are at our home ground,” he told Arsenal.com. “Every time I have played at Emirates Stadium, we have not lost.
“It is a good luck thing for me as well. Even when I was playing with the under-15s, I never lost there. I think with Manchester City, it could be a good thing for us. As I have played there about five times, and not been beaten.
“I have scored at Emirates Stadium three times, too. We have to score first on the night, that is all it is. It would be a big thing for my career if we won the FA Youth Cup, and it would be my first major trophy since I joined.
“It is my last year in the FA Youth Cup and I would like to win something. Plus you look at the guys who played the last time Arsenal won it [in 2009], such as Jack Wilshere and Francis Coquelin. Hopefully I can do the same thing as them, and it would be good for my career if we could do the same.”
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Good luck to the lads this evening.
If you’re a London local you can pop down to the Emirates tonight and watch the semi-final; tickets will be priced at £4 for adults and £2 for concessions (Over 65’s or U16s). Kick off is at 7.45pm.
Alternatively, the match is being streamed on Arsenal.com.
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